Also, in accordance to comments, I've spent some time bringing the wiki up to date. Hope it's better now.

There's some info on how delegation is *normally* done, though there's no need for everything to be done the normal way.

We shouldn't give too much away, so general remarks would do.

Also, talk about the veto as an afterthought. We don't answer to these guys, we shouldn't be too nice.

>>19334221
Gentleman of Margade, we have a heavy responsibility today. The decisions we make today and throughout the Convocation can alter the future of Margade. I do not need to explain what an honor it is, for all of us, to direct our fair city towards a prosperous future.

Also, a list of tasks that merit attention now:

> Convocation meeting and politics. It appears quite a bit is at stake now, though you're not sure what.
> Getting rid of Beribo. You made that promise and you will fulfill it, somehow.
> Investigate the Red Pines banditry case. Why would the tributes to the Hillmen have been so badly mis-recorded? Or were they tampered with?

>>19334262
>>19334245

You make some general, big-picture remarks, trying to touch only on the points that both sides would agree on. The city, for example. Surely everyone wants to keep working and prospering in the city.

Then, as arranged, Peony shuffles up and touches your forearm. 'Oh. Oh yes. The veto this morning. Now, I am young and inexperienced, and lacking in wisdom, but I am even more afraid of being seen as irresponsible. I was given the duty to preside over a meeting as important as this, and no delay or cancellation could be brooked. I hope the assembled sirs understand this.'

You then end on a positive note, and there is a moment's silence before the merchants bow and acclaim you, all at once. And then all of you return to your seats, and the round representative guy takes over. At this stage of the process, the main task is to get all the nominations out; soon hands and meeting chits are being raised, as the Localists make their move.

Just then, a servant girl shuffles to you with a note. 'Your Lordship, should we move first, or later?'

It's from Naimir. He must be talking about the group nomination thing. It's not common for a group of merchants to endorse an entire group of merchants - you're not sure if there's a precedent for this at all, procedurally. Of course, you don't think anything is against it logically...

> What do/say?

Incidentally, something's just occurred to you. Surely the Localists - if they've called for an adjournment and signed on to it - surely they've been made aware of the group nomination plan?

Yet they seem unaware of it right now, just carrying on with their usual business...

>>19334291

I think later's probably better.

>>19334291

Patience; let the localists go. Drag it out.
Maybe if we slip in that nomination, and then end the meeting, it would prevent much protest.

>>19334291
>>19334317
If they're acting unaware of it that means they have something up their sleeves to deal with this already. They already know about the deal, and the more time we give them the more time they have to pull some obnoxious stunt. Move first, it might annoy the Localists but no matter what we'll annoy them.

When objections start flying it talk about how Margade makes its fortune off of trade, its prosperity is based off of its acceptance of the outside world while still retaining the core principles of the fair nation.

This is going to turn ugly no matter what we do.

>>19334335
>>19334337
>>19334338

You do wonder about that. If the Localists already know about the plan, then right now they must be cooking - or have cooked - a counterplan. You ask Peony if she knows what Niduseg looks like; she doesn't, but it turns out that Orchid knows.

'That man over there, sir.' He's a tall man with long arms, tapping one finger on his meeting chit. He's staring at a patch of flooring quite intensely now, nodding every now and then as people speak.

It doesn't seem like the localists know what's happening, to be honest. You hesitate, and then write a note to the Immigrants, telling them to wait for a moment.

As you had somewhat guessed, the localists don't say anything about the plan. They simply nominate people - some have one patron, others have two or three, even four. Soon there are nine on the list, for twelve posts. You notice Beribo is among them. The rest - you know their names, of course, but nothing else about them interests you.

'Your lordship, would you confirm this list?'

> More incoming.

You give the provisional nod to the list, and it is understood that you may rescind it for review if you wish.

And then the Immigrants move. Naimir and Hurugun take the lead, and present the list to you. 'Your Lordship. We, the seven merchants who are men of this city, though elsewhere born and bred, do propose the following six merchants jointly, as our candidates for the Convocation.'

You can feel the tremor of consternation rippling up and down the ranks. You also spot several of the merchants turn to Oromeg and Camuneg, two of the leading Localist merchants who requested the adjournment earlier - as if they had only just realised what exactly the adjournment was for.

Then, almost immediately, there is protest. 'Your Lordship!' comes a voice from the back of the row. 'This is out of order!'

'You are speaking out of order, Alderman!' The round representative speaks, but another merchant then stands up.

'Your Lordship, this is an unprecedented conspiracy! The party of foreigners has plotted this!'

'Your Lordship!'

'Your Lordship!'

'Bloody hell,' Linden mutters, then covers her mouth as you glance at her.

> What do/say?

>>19334380

Oh hell. Tell the localists to keep order. If they want a debate, wait for the announcement to be finished. We can't have people interrupting each other in here.

>>19334403

This. Then let Naimor talk

>>19334380
This is going to be difficult to sort out.

Merchants of Margade, have you walked through our city of late? It no longer shines as brightly as it once did. The streets overflow and men are forced to build wooden shacks on top of each other.

Margade is in serious need of change as its current heading does not lead towards prosperity. If we continue this way we will no longer be the jewel of Iru.

Perhaps this plan is unprecedented, but that is what the city needs, there is much that needs to be rebuilt and without change that can not happen. I wish you not to think of yourself or your allegiances, but of Mar, of the city all of us here call home.

>>19334413
>>19334412
>>19334403

You make an impassioned plea to the merchants for them to let Naimir speak, but they only hold their tongues until the moment you stop speaking.

'The squalor of the city has nothing to do with this, Your Lordship. What is at stake are the traditions and laws of the Convocation! Squalor has always been tolerated, but no man lives without laws, sir!'

'And by that law, merchant, you will keep silent!' You finally lose your temper. 'You may have your debate, once this announcement is read.'

And with that Naimir manages to finish his announcement. All six of the nominees are added to the Consideration List, right at the top - just as the Immigrants intended. The mood on both sides of the chamber is palpably different; the seven merchants are elated, while the eighteen localists are fuming.

'Your lordship, would you approve of this list?'

'Your lordship...' several hands and bodies rise from the localists, and the representative has to emphasise that it is provisional. You sigh and nod.

'Well then. The list is drawn. The merits of the current candidates may officially be debated,' and with that the round man scurries away, knowing what is to come. Sure enough, it comes.

'Sir! This is a plot by the Immigrants, to subvert the very nature of the Convocation! If many men may gang up and recommend, together, a team of candidates, then we shall have cliques and factions within the Convocation. That cannot be tolerated, sir!'

'Your lordship, the Immigrants are bringing in customs from their lands, and trying to undermine the traditions of civilised rule. In rallying to force this issue, they are indeed committing insubordination!'

And so on, and so forth. The Immigrants look eminently silent; someone rises to speak, but Hurugun grabs him and pulls him down hard. Huh....

> What do/say?

Been busy these past weeks and unable to quest. Glad to see it's continuing, hoping it's been going well.

>>19334455

Rather quiet right now, really; pity you can't join in. Will do my best to continue, though!

>>19334454

Shit, the immigrants better back us up if we do this.

Say that the Convocation was itself a body created of circumstances, and that having no precedent is not always a bad thing. Besides, the Convocation is factional already, and the locals are as much to blame as the immigrants for this.

>>19334454
Are they seriously trying to argue against clicques and factions in the Convocation, if this situation weren't this serious it'd be funny.

This is going to be difficult to deal with diplomatically.

The Convocation may have no precedent for this action, but the same is true for all other things that have over time become precedent and tradition. The convocation already follows factions and this event you decry would not have occurred if the Immigrants were not beset on all sides and forced to band together.

Wait, why are we defending the immigrants? Let them argue themselves!

It's us who support them, we're not their front man.

>>19334494

Second this, actually. We can talk, but let the parties talk first.

We lead from behind, man.

> Hmm. So, argue the Immigrants' case, or play the arbiter? The localists are appealing to you as the chairman and speaker of the meeting...

>>19334454
>'then we shall have cliques and factions within the Convocation. That cannot be tolerated, sir!'

From where I am sitting this already appears to be the case.

To tolerate it or not is now up to the Convocation.

Basically play the arbiter. We've given the Immigrants their chance, let's see what they can do with it.

>>19334504
Play the arbiter, tell the Localists to let the Immigrants speak their piece.

Then tell both parties of house they both make excellent points, driven by both of their loves for Margade. Talk of how precedent is made in difficult situations and how when the world changes Mar must adapt as well. We'll end up supporting the Immigrants but we want to let them both get their arguments out before we say we support one. We're the monitor, this is what our job is supposed to be.

> Play arbiter

You turn to the Immigrants. 'You have heard these arguments, then. What do you have to say to defend your current action?'

Naimir, Hurugun and all the other stand up to give their arguments, though the localists are constantly badgering. That's good; that just makes them look like the brutes.

The Immigrants make the point that a lack of precedent does not make an action evil in itself, and that the Convocation is already undermined for being a club where seats are passed from friend to friend, and squabbling gets in the way of everything. Much like now, for instance!

The Localists continue to protest, and soon things turn into a verbal fracas, with both sides slinging names at each other. You hear the Immigrants call their opponents old fashioned, sticks in the mud, mules; the Localists go farther, accusing the Immigrants of attempted treason.

'You people are holding Margade back! Even as we speak, the city decays!'

'The city's decay is due to a lack of obedience and order! How can this act, which breaks the peace, be said to enforce it?'

It seems you may have to step in soon, before it either turns into a fistfight or the representative is forced to adjourn the meeting. He is already holding the striker to the gong and looking at you...

> What do/say? Be more specific now. You have to justify your decision, whatever your decision is and whoever it is you are supporting.

>>19334553
Margade has been decaying for longer than the Immigrants have had influence over it. We keep trying to hold Margade to its golden past while we keep slipping away from it.

The Convocation has not become the guiding light it was supposed to be, it is a place where seats are exchanged as favors and the city has suffered from this.

If we continue to squabble like this soon there will be no purpose to the Convocation as Margade will become a shell of its former self.

Is it treason to look at the city and decide that something must be done to save your home. The Convocation has become complacent and has used its protection not for the good of the city but for the profit only of the people.

I am willing to support change which will aid the city, and the Immigrants are the ones who have proposed such a change.

>>19334590

You stand up, and in that instant the representative strikes a nearby drum to signal that. The Convocation pauses and turns to defer to you.

The harangue that comes from you is long and feels satisfying, even to yourself. 'You are blowing trumpets and squabbling, even while Margade falls apart around you! Both your parties threaten the city as it is now!

'Yet, at least from the Immigrants I sense that they see something important needs to be done - and this isn't even the place they were born. Do you call a man who fixes his house a traitor? If a woman patches the family's clothes, is she a thief?'

The Localists stand in shocked silence; you may have spoken a bit louder than you were used to. But then again, this infuriating complacency - complaining about factions when you won't even sit with the Immigrants, even if it's against regulations to be packed on one side of the hall!

'I am here not to take care of the profits of any of you Aldermen. I'm sure you are more than capable of taking care of those yourself. I am, however, unsure as to whether you can or will work to profit the city as a whole. From what I have know, I think one side is much more enthusiastic than the other on this, and I'd rather support them.'

And with that, you wave them back in their seats, and the Consideration List is brought up again. You need but nod to give it your official approval, whereupon copies will be made and announcements prepared. Then you may break for lunch, seeing as it is already near noon...

Man, you could do with some food. And you can see that this is the one thing everyone here is agreed on now.

> What do/say? Would you like to eat with anyone? This meeting has a section after lunch, but it is a normal business meeting. You may eat with whomever you choose, depending on their plans.

>>19334653

You know, maybe we should eat with the opposition. Just to seem fairer.

Also, approve the list, yes.

>>19334653
If we want to get any more important business done during the meeting we should probably take care of it now.

Who among the Localists is the most important and leadery, we should probably have a talk with them. We're already on good terms with the Immigrants currently but we should hammer some things out in private with the Localists if at all possible.

>>19334688

Well, leading Localists would include Oromeg and Camuneg, you reckon. They're the two whom the others looked to, after all.

Do you have any important business? There's nothing else on the schedule, so unless you want to propose a new initiative now...

Also, you approve the list. There is a sigh from the Localists. You glance at Niduseg, who is still nodding. Wait, come think of it, why is Niduseg here?

>>19334709
I can't think of any new initiatives to try to pass, the boat has been shaken enough for one day.

Niduseg being here is interesting, we should have lunch with Oromeg and Camuneg. We need to talk to them about the Localists and we might want to talk to Oromeg about Beribo.

After we dismiss them after lunch we should make ourself available for a talk with Niduseg if it looks like he's angling for one.

>>19334709

We need to ask about the tolls system, actually.

And let's have lunch with oromeg and camureg then. Ask them if they have their own plans.

Also, we need to go and visit our new city mansion. Just to see what it's like.

>>19334746
>>19334751

You were thinking about the tolls system, but then it's probably not useful to talk about chicken coop security to the assembly of foxes. To reform those things you'd have to go against the whole Convocation, really...

So instead you just ask the customary question if anything needs to be raised now. No hands; the representative strikes the gong; and you send Rose to go and talk to Oromeg and Camuneg. At first they seem to shake their heads and refuse; then Rose turns around and walks towards you when they call her back.

Niduseg had dropped by to talk to Oromeg; they call her back, and then she comes over to you again. 'They say they would be glad to have lunch with you, sir.'

Well, it's pretty clear who's advised them to say yes... soon you are headed down to a small pavilion, where you see waiters bearing the livery of the Yellow Flower Inn and Restaurant laying out the food. Nice catering choice there. Oromeg and Camuneg are already there, and they stand on seeing you, but you get them to sit.

Each of them has four attendants, some of whom are girls; one of them does catch your eye. Ironically, she's blonde, much like Lavender and many Easterners. The merchants ask what you would like to speak about...

> What do/say?
> Something's cropped up at home, so I'm off for a bit. But give suggestions, I'll be back in a few hours. Keep the thread alive!

>>19334788
We really need to have a talk with Niduseg soon.

Gentlemen, I would like to talk about the future of Margade. We have in our hands an opportunity to break the complacency of the Convocation and change the city. There is much work to be done, the roads are deteriorating as are the canals. The lifeblood of this city, our trade, will be in danger if this is not fixed. This is but one of many problems in Margade and I won't be able to fix them without support from the Convocation as a whole.

bump

Okay.

First we talk to these two, ask them if they've got any plans of their own. If we can play people off, that's even better.

Second, see Niduseg. Try to persuade him that his boss is not a good man, he could do much better.

Then I think we should start searching for scholars and learned people seriously now.

bump

Man, I'm late. Hmmm.

I think we should open with some remarks about the Convocation. It will obviously be on everyone's mind here. Segue into the list of potentials that the Localists presented, going through each. Eventually get to Beribo. Offhandedly mention that we've heard that his daughter is to be married to Beribo, and that while we wish her much happiness... we also have heard... well, no no, no matter. You surely have accounted for that, Master Oromeg....

Then when he questions we could speak on some of the rumors we have heard. That he murdered his last wife for her fortune and claimed the businesses left to her by her parents. A canny merchant Oromeg may be, but the murder of his daughter (and maybe himself) to seize his assets would be something he would NOT want. Also, bringing up the marriage in front of Camueng would probably sow some dissent within the Localists, since Oromeg already promised his daughter to Camuneg's son IIRC?

And perhaps also mention that we are curious as to why they were hoping to postpone the Convocation. They probably won't tell us the truth, but we can at least see what excuse they give.

>>19336870
>>19335331
>>19334853

> Ooh, just enough time to write one post. But I'll be back in three-ish hours, and that'll be for a good stretch. Sorry about this guys.

Oromeg and Camuneg, you noticed, had been quite quiet during the argument just now - leaving the lesser members to do the yelling. When you ask them about the plan, they nod.

'To be honest, sir, it is probably not so much anger as surprise. As you well know, for every meeting in the main hall like this, there are five small meetings where the actual work is done. We can only suppose such meetings must have taken place between the Immigrants.'

It sounds a bit like they figured you out, as well.

You then talk about the city, and its parlous infrastructure, and it turns out the Localists also have plans to rebuild. Their plans, however, focus on the south side of the city - building a whole new dockyard, and also renewing several temples and repairing the roads and walls. The north is conspicuously not mentioned...

When the marriage is mentioned, Camuneg looks slightly surprised. To your own surprise, when you try to lure Oromeg to taking the bait, he doesn't. 'Sir, in marriage there is never accounting for everything.'

Damn. Do you want to push more? It'd sound really obvious, though... then again, why are you so scared of exposing a serial killer?

> What do/say further?

>>19336983
Oromeg may be a shrewd merchant in a feudal society, but I'm sure he does not want to see his (only?) daughter slaughtered by a sociopathic killer. I see no drawback to frankly informing him of what we know of Beribo.

Although, that does raise a question, what do we know of him? If I'm not mistaken our only sources for our knowledge of Beribo's crimes are Geharo and Katesas, and the latter was merely supporting the former's story, perhaps we are being played?

It is already shown that Oromeg cares for his family, as he has exerted his influence in the past to get his sons out of trouble of their own making. That was likely expensive, but he did it... because family.

So mentioning what we know about Beribo to Oromeg will, at the very LEAST, cause him to postpone and investigate... and distance himself from Beribo. As one of Beribo's main supporters, when he distances himself it will then make everyone else supporting Beribo think twice too. If Oromeg is backing out, what does he know that we don't? Domino effect.

And merely bringing it up in front of Camuneg has been a powerful blow. He will investigate and find out the truth himself now. We don't need to push anymore, we planted the seed and Camuneg himself will water it and make it grow.

Perhaps when we leave we whisper to Camuneg something like, "Perhaps you think I have my own interests at heart here; and of course you are correct. But that doesn't make my words any less true. I suggest you investigate who Oromeg's daughter is promised to yourself."

I am of a mind that Oromeg is using Beribo, threading him along with promises of marrying his daughter to exploit him. But that is a non-issue, all we need is the appearance of disloyalty, dishonor, and impropriety to generate a rift in the Localists.

I also suggest that we inform them that we, too, are looking to improve the city... and that we hardly wish to focus all efforts on one part. Indeed, these dock renovations they are proposing is very intriguing. Plus, while we need to expand the city in the north there's nothing saying we can't also be improving the south. Hell, that's where we spend most of our time anyway, it has all the fancy place, our secret refuge, and a lot of our allies.

cont.

>>19337354
We should let them know that we are very interested in their plans, and if they bring us a proposal quickly enough then we could be convinced to push it through along with the other reforms we are planning. Especially the docks... so long as we start with the East Docks. We've heard from friends that they are the ones in the worst shape and would prefer them to be rebuilt first... along with any improvements to the canal.

The kickbacks for us from both the Reds and the merchants overseeing the docks will be tremendous, and the Reds themselves would be firmly on our side because of us rebuilding their main area of power. (East Docks and Canal)

>>19336983
>then again, why are you so scared of exposing a serial killer?
Because our information might not be reliable. We have nothing more than the word of a couple people on it, and the guy is obviously deeply involved in a hell of a lot of things that might have made him enemies, not to mention that given there is inheritance involved there are obviously vested motives. If we can make a not-so-clever plot that relies upon someone being deceived by false information like that crazy marriage scheme, then why can't someone else? And approaching a young earl with idealistic ideas and few independent means of confirming information with a false tale of villainy on the part of one of your political enemies- why, it's practically artistic in its ability to send someone with enough authority to be destructive but not enough to figure out what's actually going on striking directly at your foe.

There's also the fact that these men are probably his political allies for a damned good reason; we had a lot of leverage over the Immigrants to force them to drop him, but it seems to me that there's a very real and present risk that if we let Beribo's current allies know that we're after him they will close ranks and seek to defend what they perceive as one of their own, even to the point of impeding our investigation and covering up the crimes- potentially even locating and assassinating Geharo, whose word is ultimately all we have to go on regarding any wrongdoing on Beribo's part.

>>19338511
con't

It's a question of how ruthless and desperate they are, and whether that will drive them to work with us or to work against us. Ideally we'd get them into a state of mind where they feel it is both possible and beneficial to secure our political allegiance and then make dropping Beribo a requirement of that- but I'm not holding my breath.

Still, it would seem a damned waste to not mention anything- at the moment neither of them has any reason to look into Beribo's past, only to keep their eyes on current events. I am willing to gamble on something indirect, which would prompt them to at least look into him.
>>19337354
>Perhaps when we leave we whisper to Camuneg something like
This will be taken as a transparent effort to divide their interests, which it is, regardless of the actual value of our advice. Don't do it- these men didn't become heavy-duty merchants by being poor schemers easily deceived.

>>19337359
>if they bring us a proposal quickly enough then we could be convinced to push it through along with the other reforms we are planning. Especially the docks... so long as we start with the East Docks.
A couple problems with this. First, we don't really have the authority to push through anything, and arrogantly declaring that we can/will might well be a completely absurd declaration- particularly considering that it's the Convocation which generally governs these matters. Second, it basically officially declares us to be Red-aligned as far as the Localists are concerned, when we're loosely tied to them at best.

I'm certainly willing to say that we are interested in working with the in general, though- on basically anything that benefits the city, for that matter.

I recall that someone in the merchant house Bagita sent us an anonymous love letter during the chariot parade. Perhaps before lunchtime is over we can visit them or their estate on a 'purely social call'.

Then, perhaps, the person who sent it might make themselves known and with a few winks and kind words we could find out what all this backroom maneuvering is about.

>>19337080
>>19337354
>>19337359

You nod as Oromeg finishes speaking. 'Well... I'm sure that is true. But surely one can do something about marrying one's daughter to a murderer and killer...'

'Hmm? What do you mean, your lordship?' Both of them seem intrigued. You tell them what Katesas and Geharo told you, and they listen politely for a while - though after a bit, you come to realise they have probably heard this before.

'Well... it's good to know that your lordship is so concerned about my daughter's well being,' Oromeg says diplomatically. Camuneg, however, is slightly nonplussed. 'Nonetheless, I have heard those stories about the man before. He has denied them, and he has people to vouch for him whom I do trust. Indeed, I do wonder who else has been spreading these scurrilous rumours about Beribo...'

'Oromeg, I was always under the impression that Gusumar's son was going to marry your daughter,' Camuneg asks. Now that makes him slightly surprised, and he says that that is no longer going through...

As for the Docks, both the merchants say they have no intention of repairing the East Docks. 'Your lordhsip, with all due respect, we will invest, but we will not give away. We intend to build new docks, which would be more economical...'

> Hmm. What do/say?

Also, don't worry about the diplomacy for now - you were raising the East Docks as a speculative question, mostly.

>>19338556
Restating
>>19338552
In case it wasn't seen. As for these guys, I'm not entirely sure what more we can do with them. They're pretty set where they are.

Perhaps we should imply that the person spreading these rumors is a friend of ours, and our friend's enemies are our enemies too. Leave them to think about if it would be wise to make an enemy of an Earl with quite a bit of power to influence their fortunes in the future just to get the support of Beribo.

>>19338552
>>19338628

Bagita is in fact Camuneg's house - you just remembered this as you were pondering your reply. Well... so someone in there is interested in you...?

As for these guys... it seems that for now you are in an inferior position. Given you haven't many initiatives of your own, you are playing a pretty passive game - even your main plan for improving the city is pretty much the Immigrants' plan.

Without such political initiatives, there's little you can do to signal your intentions and force them to follow you, it seems...

> Do/say anything before ending lunch? You must say, after that little refutation from Oromeg, you don't feel so psyched about saying more...

>>19338556
>'Oromeg, I was always under the impression that Gusumar's son was going to marry your daughter,' Camuneg asks. Now that makes him slightly surprised, and he says that that is no longer going through...
"Well, I suppose it's true that nothing is truly certain where marriage is involved. Still, I've heard tell that Gusumar's support helped you secure your council seat. Were it an any less honorable and upright man I might think a man who leaves his allies at the first sign of better fortunes untrustworthy, but everyone knows your excellent reputation Master Oromeg. I am sure those you are currently allied with have no cause to worry."

Drive dat wedge. Let's see if we can get Camuneg to support us too in the future. He's a very powerful and rich man, it would be good to be friendly with him.

Then perhaps we should pay a visit to Master Gusumar. I doubt he knows about this, and informing him would leave him in our debt for later... while also hurting the localist unity even more. If we can create enough discord between the localists then it will be much easier to push through the things we want.

>>19338688
What does this mean, initiatives of our own? We have plenty of initiatives we want to push, it just happens that a lot of them lined up with what the Immigrants wanted too.

Repairing the East Docks, Canal, and the whole Bribe Guards and Control Turf Within The City initiative is something we would like to do too, we just need some income before we can afford it.

>>19338762
>>19338734

You say that, and it's clear what you are implying. Oromeg smiles and bows.

'I can assure your lordship that the ending of that engagement was by mutual agreement, and that I am Gusumar's friend... then as ever.'

He says that with some emphasis. It seems like something he's proud of.

With that, you nod and dismiss the two of them, since lunch is pretty much over. Peony and Linden come over to you, and Peony says there's actually the option for you to skip the post-lunch meeting. 'It's mostly work-related, and not relevant to the task...'

Well, well. You ask if Gusumar is around, and Linden says she's seen him. At the same time, Niduseg is also around - you probably have time to see one more person before the meeting re-convenes...

> What do/say?

Also, initiative is not so much about personal initiative - everyone has plenty of those, so that's fair enough. It's more that, because you are relatively new on the political scene, there isn't much for people to go on when they wonder if they should follow your lead.

This should change for the better as you recruit people and do things. Already you are gaining a name as being a person who likes swordsmen, given your first hire was Sadereg and you had a few swordsmen friends in your southern adventure...

>>19338688
Well if Camuneg has someone inside his house we could woo for information we might want to pay him a visit some time after the convocation is finished but before we take Peony to dinner.

Or better yet, maybe we could send one of our attendants to mingle with the females of his house while the menfolk are distracted with the convocation, and ferret out who sent the letter. I'm not sure who would be best there. Linden is very sociable and has been doing this kind of information gathering for us on the fourth-of-fifth girls however, so she might be a good choice.

>>19338862

This sounds good. Send Linden out, we're not going to do too much work ourselves now. We need to learn to delegate.

Speaking of delegation, we should really hurry Amaryllis on the meeting with her dad. If Peony says we can leave the later stage of the meeting, let's just go pay him a visit straightaway.

>>19338861
As much as I'd like to talk to Gusumar we really need to talk to Niduseg. If we can get him on our side we have a contact who is well regarded by all the merchants, knows important business details and is really good at what he does. He's manipulating things in the Convocation and was one of the main reasons why the Localists backed down. I want to know what game he's playing.

We should have our people talk to Gusumar's attendants, see if they can get an idea of how he feels about the marriage being taken off the table for real.

>>19338862
>>19338960

Linden agrees to the task with apparent relish, and then goes off.

Meanwhile, you ask for Niduseg to be summoned in, and Orchid is gone only a moment before returning with the man, who immediately bows to you. 'Your lordship.'

'Do rise.' You look him over. 'So. I hear you are serving Beribo.'

'I am, indeed, sir.'

'He is not here in the conference, however. So why is your presence warranted?'

'Oh that, sir... given my master's current closeness with Master Oromeg, he had specifically asked for me to be present.'

Well, that's a nice backstage pass he's got...

> What do/say? What do you want to ask the man himself? Also, remember the need to be subtle.

>>19338960
>>19338986

Orchid and Lilac are going off to talk to Gusumar's attendants now. Also, Amaryllis says her father would be glad to receive you today if you wish to go.

Incidentally, and nice ego boost that it is, you notice plenty of the men around here tracking your attendants as they go around their business. It's a good reflection on your lechery. Well, your taste - that's a far more elegant way of putting it.

>>19339060

Talk about his great reputation and ask what he thinks about Beribo's prospective contribution to the Convocation.

Do we know why he is apparently so tight with the Localists when they are a bunch of clowns and he is supposed to be smarter than that? If not, try to find out, but not quite so bluntly as that.

Also go to the rest of the meeting. Gotta show that we are serious about this thing.

>>19339116
When I say he there I mean Niduseg, it is already obvious to us why Beribo likes the Localists more than the Immigrants right now.

If the rest of the meeting is going to be routine shit, we shouldn't go. Overexposure is going to make us look too interested.
We keep our distance, go inspect our mansion, and then invite amarylli's dad to the mansion to talk. Ask him to bring his friends too.

>>19339060
Ask him for his thoughts on the Convocation so far. There was quite a bit of excitement earlier.

Also we should finish the meeting, we can't be seen as shirking out duty.

>>19339116
>>19339130
>>19339163

'I see. Well, it is a sign of great favour from a people normally stingy of favours. Though I would say, in this case, it is richly deserved.'

'Thank you, your lordship.'

'So. You serve Beribo now. Tell me... why do you support his bid to the Convocation?'

He gives you a look as if you just asked him why the sky is blue and liquor makes you drunk. 'Well, your lordship... firstly, of course, I was hired to do that. To get him into the Convocation.'

'Specifically so?' He nods. Huh... 'also, why do you seem so close to the Localists? You can see they are... not of the best quality.'

'What do you mean by that, sir? On the contrary, if I may speak my mind, many of these people are of established wealth, and it isn't easy to maintain their positions,' he says. 'Besides, as I've said, I was hired to help my master enter the Convocation. If the Immigrants offered us help, I would take it. And if the Localists offered us help, I would take that too. Currently the latter happens to be the case, that's all.'

'What do you think of the Convocation then? This year looks to be... eventful.'

'It is a master stroke, the joint nomination... though of dubious legality. It is a decision that would need defending. And it is a decision that invites attack...' he seems to be dispensing advice for you here. 'Incidentally, sir, why are you still in the building? I mean, you don't need to be...'

> What do/say? It's almost reconvention time now, but you can still choose to leave.

>>19339302
We might not need to be present, but us sitting up there and presiding over them will send a message and will also allow for opportunity. With us gone the Immgrants will be weakened in their position, and a defeat in our first major political gambit is not something we need.

>>19339375
Errr. Don't SAY this, of course. Actually say something more like, "Blah blah, responsibility. Blah blah, honoring my father by doing my best, blah blah."

Best to put a diligent, honorable face on our raw power-lust.

>>19339302
Dude sure likes his money. Saw that coming.

We are still here because we know admittedly little about the regular operation of the Convocation and believe it would serve us well to learn more.

>>19339375
Shit we don't need to tell that to Niduseg of all people

>>19339302
I have been tasked with overlooking the Convocation, I would be shirking my duty if I left.

The Convocation is a matter of great import and I would rather not miss anything.

Tell me more of Beribo, I keep on hearing his name and he has hired the best business manager in the city, I am curious.

>>19339375

We are not saying this openly, I hope. Imagine the speaker for a parliament saying he's here only for one of the parties.
Say we're staying around because we take our duties seriously, leave it at that.

Before we leave we should mention that Beribo has a rather dark past, and that as a man of good reputation Niduseg might want to be wary of his current position. Not only might associating with his current masters cast a shadow on his reputation. He is an apt man, so surely he can see the darkness swirling around him... and only a fool does not fear the darkness at times. It can hide many things that no-one wants to encounter.

>>19339412
>>19339399
Was not meaning tell him, that was more of a 'do' action.

>>19339392
>>19339412
>>19339399
>>19339411

'I was appointed Prince's Monitor, after all. It would be rather shirking my duty to leave a meeting halfway, isn't it?'

'Your lordship, with due respect, you'll be rueing those words after a few meetings. They are exceedingly boring, and exceedingly tedious...'

The two of you chuckle at that. This man is interesting, Niduseg. You wonder if you could ever gain his loyalty. If you had some ideas... 'so, tell me about Beribo, your master.'

'I shall not incriminate myself carelessly, sir!' Another chuckle later, he nods. 'Beribo is an interesting person. Highly acquisitive, and highly intelligent. I do wonder if he feels for anyone else, however. It is nothing to me, since I am in his service so long as I am paid but no more... but I assume it isn't pleasant to be his bound attendant, or a worker in a business he has acquired.'

'But you run those businesses, yes?'

'According to his guidelines,' he says. Niduseg actually sounds a little uncomfortable admitting that, and you point it out. 'Well, sir. Some masters are strict... others are kinder. And of course softness earns one contempt, which is very bad. But being too stern fosters fear, stagnation, paralysis. And employees paralysed by fear make for very poor business...'

'You sound like you already know about the darkness within him, somewhat.'

Niduseg nods. 'Nonetheless - I was tasked, and if I abandoned a task because I felt the taskmaster was less than perfect, I would still be curled up in bed at home now. Or starved to death.'

> What do/say? Go back to meeting now?

>>19339507
I like this guy.

Give him a bit of friendly concern about just how dark Beribo may turn out to be and get back to the meeting.

>>19339507
I admire your devotion to your duty Niduseg. It is a rare man who can devote himself so wholly to a profession.

Give him some friendly sounding advice about how working staying within the darkness is an easy way to have it rub off on you.

>>19339507
Eh. I'm not impressed yet. He has a reputation but he's still an enemy at this point.

>>19339544

'Take care you are not swallowed by it yourself, Niduseg.'

'Thank you for your concern, sir.' He sounds genuinely grateful.

You settle down into the seat and then notice that about half of the merchants have actually gone off, to be replaced with their staff members - pasty, serious-looking secretaries. No doubt Niduseg could be lumped in with the bunch, though he does not represent an alderman and so he's not sitting in front.

There are only 5 out of 7 Immigrants, and 8 of 18 Localists, within the convocation now. Oromeg and Camuneg are both gone; Naimir is gone too, Hurugun, at least, is sticking around.

The meeting turns out to be about dealing with a shortage in pickled cabbage, and the available means of extending cabbage supply within the city without overstraining the docks. There's that, and there's also the problem with shops not respecting the street width rules - though as you listen, it seems there are at least four sets of street width rules to not-respect.

You don't really keep track of the time until servants come around and pass fruit to all of you. Linden comes back, scratching her head. 'Anything?'

'Not really, sir. Their attendants are tight-lipped. But if you ask me, sir, I'd say - it's something they are scared of mentioning. Probably a bad thing happened. Also, it's lovely weather outside for the third hour after noon.'

'Is it? ... wait, it's the third hour already!?'

> What do/say?

>>19339507
Point out that someone who stands in the darkness must always be on guard for knives, both from the allies they protect and their enemies. We should know.

Let him think on that. Hopefully he understands that the position he is in right now is one liable to draw fire like a lightning rod in a thunderstorm. If we can scare him off or make him quit in disgust before needing to take him out, all's to the better.

Also, I have to wonder. Does Beribo himself employ Niduseg or not? I'm getting a slight suspicion that Niduseg might have been hired by another interested party to put Beribo in position.

>>19339544
Well, this guy is like local Zhuge Liang or something.

>>19339667
Alright Niduseg was right we get the idea.

Let's dip the fuck out and do something fun outside because we can.

>>19339690
Eh, honestly I don't see it. Sure, he's probably a decent manager, but I'd pit Peony against him in skill any day.

How long do the meetings last?

Actually, given they were talking about straining the docks, do we get a right to speak about rebuilding the docks? No mentioning of specifics, just ask why we are trying to hard to work around a problem that needed fixing.

>>19339745
>>19339725

> So... make a speech and then go? Or just go?

You notice that the merchants who are staying around aren't really staying around for the meeting either. The hall has its own staff of attendants, and many of them are, indeed, quite pretty. (You've noticed that too, because you would wouldn't you?)

Many of these girls are actually on 'master' terms with the merchants, and while they take care not to interrupt the speech-making, you do see quite a bit of hushed drinking and nudging around going on.

Meh. You could give your speech now, though - it could be of benefit, since many of the people who are actually working, are business managers who are known to their people. You could possibly gain a good reputation by speaking here.

Or you could go drinking, because that - well, in moderation - always gains a good reputation too.

> What do/say?

>>19339810

Meh. Let's go drinking.

Actually let's find some swordsmen and go drinking. We need to unwind, and get to know these people.

>>19339810
Give a closing speech, talk about how we have an opportunity to all of Margade to a better future. So on and so forth, then end with a toast and get out of this joint.

>>19339810
Yeah, let's make a speech, we need more good publicity and our intentions of improving city to be known.

>>19339872
I just butchered that poor sentence.

We have an opportunity to lead all of Margade to a better future, there is a great deal of work ahead of us but this is the first step along that path.

Then we toast.

>>19339667
Bleh, boring. Dad could hardly fault us for skipping out on this and we already know about these problems.

Oh well, whatever. Meet with Amaryllis's dad, then see to those hillmen we have laid up in our barracks. It's about time we had the commander tell us which ones are going to die and got the rest of them released. Sadly, we will probably need to execute most of them, but that's just the way it is. They did raid towns.

Then we can dispatch the ones still there with some guards and Baseg. The party will all journey out to our territory, buy up the land we wanted, then have his dudes go graze on it and such.

>>19339872
>>19339882
>>19339894

It's not going to be a closing speech, unless you intend to stay past dinnertime - as Rose has just found out from asking the noticeably tired attendants. One of them just came back from an extended attempted grope session, and is really rather miffed at this.

'She says she admires us for working with such a gentleman as your lordship, sir.' Then she chuckles.

'Yeah, the less she knows...' you glance at the girl; she is, in fact, really pretty. Big eyes, dainty mouth, slim arms. Hmm.

Anyway, since you're not staying here until after dinnertime, you decide to signal and make a speech now instead.

> Roll d100! Man, this is the first roll for the thread so far.
> You already have a bonus, but more interesting speech points will get more bonuses.

Remember that at about six we're heading into town to a nice restaurant with Peony, though she doesn't know it yet. We can drink a bit then if we really want. Right now is still business time.

rolled 15 = 15

>>19339941

rolled 89 = 89

>>19339941
I'm an utter gentleman,

Gentlemen, we have a long road ahead of us, there is still much work to be done but we have taken the first steps towards a greater Margade.

Raise a toast, to us and the future.

rolled 38 = 38

Just throwing this out there, I love this quest and I've been here since thread 1. I haven't participated much, but that's just because I'm not good at this whole...politics thing. Keep up the good work OP.

rolled 61 = 61

>>19339941

I don't have anything else to add besides keeping it in our damn pants. We have more than enough women all over us already and we have to start courting noble ladies soon.

>>19339996
Maybe something about congratulating the men who are the lifeblood of this city. Can't really think of anything other than that.

>>19339941
Keep it in the pants. Be a gentleman, tip her a few copper. Hot dickings is why we have pretty attendants, we don't need to go around being a horny bastard in public.

>>19340038
>we don't need to go around being a horny bastard in public.
Addendum: We can be a horny bastard in private of course. Giggity.

>>19339980
>>19339982

> Cheers mate, glad to know people are reading this! Hope it'll be enjoyable for some time to come, too.

> 89 + 5: great success!

You stand up and give an impassioned speech, peppered with some literary references and pithy town talk, and you see that even the attendants have stopped to listen. You go in full flow for a while, talking about Margade, talking about how things can be repaired and restored, and that it is your hope that this can be done.

'And now. To Margade.'

The crowd immediately stands, and the cheer echoes through the hall. 'TO MARGADE!'

As you walk down, you see the business managers smiling and bowing towards you. Then you walk past Niduseg, who turns his gaze up at you for a second. Then he, too, bows and makes a gesture of admiration. Now that's nice.

Linden is right; the weather is lovely for this time of day. The hall is actually really well ventilated to not feel stuffy given the heat outside. 'What shall we do now, then?' Orchid asks.

'There's the Hillmen affair to handle... the magistracy has already received the list and the people to be executed. But we have yet to figure out what to do with the survivors. We don't know if they'll be received with welcome by their brethren.' Peony turns her scroll, and you can see clearly her missing pinky segment. 'Amaryllis, your father...? Or we could just... I don't know. There's nothing much else right now, unless we'd like to prepare for Summer.'

Everyone looks at Peony, including you. '... what? Orchid asked what needs doing!'

> What do, now? You are in leisure for the rest of today, and also for tomorrow. After that your dad and second brother will return, oh bloody joy.

>>19340077
Peony clearly needs to get her mind off of work for a while.

I support the earlier plan to go to dinner in the city and bring her along; after we check up on the Hillman thing.

>>19340038
>>19340053

Linden says she's got that pretty girl's details already. You act disinterested for a little while, then give up. 'Go on then.'

'I'm not telling you just like that, sir!'

'Knowing a contact like Iris could be important, though, sir. Given that she's working here... she'd know things. It's an exploitable source of information.' Peony says exploitable like she's about to giggle.

'I said, Peony, I wasn't going to- oh, never mind.'

Iris, huh?

>>19340077
Well, the welcome part and such is one of the reasons we are sending Baseg. He should convey our offer to the other tribe leaders too. On the down-low of course, this is dangerous.

For now, let's meet with Amaryllis's dad after we get those dudes released and set up properly for their trip. Then leisure time.

I would like Liliy to get back soon. Even scared servants gossip around an addled urchin child who can't understand them, so we could use her to figure out what exactly this bad event was.

>>19340077
Let's see Amaryllis's father today and deal with the Hillmen tomorrow. I have a feeling the Hillman affair will expand the moment we touch it.

Then we take Peony out to dinner and have her relax. Just happen to order spicy and garlicy food.

>>19340166

I'm for going to see Amaryllis' father first, as well.

Besides, we need to think hard about where to lead those hillmen. I get the impression it isn't just them we're helping, but an entire section of a tribe. It can't be just those twenty or thirty men. We haven't the land to graze those people.

Besides, having even thirty strange foreigners on our lands grazing cattle is bound to invite suspicion.

>>19340190
>Besides, we need to think hard about where to lead those hillmen. I get the impression it isn't just them we're helping, but an entire section of a tribe. It can't be just those twenty or thirty men. We haven't the land to graze those people.
Well, yes, that's why we would be giving Baseg a few thousand taels. He would use our rank to convince people into accepting cheap princes and we would buy up a lot of land. We went over this last thread, I think? Just use the plan from there, I don't remember all the details.


>Besides, having even thirty strange foreigners on our lands grazing cattle is bound to invite suspicion.
Well, that's one of the reasons why we would be buying land good for grazing but not farming. Fewer people to relocate so they don't see anything. Our estate is pretty far out and remote too, after all, so rumors would be long in coming if ever.

>>19340190
>>19340166
>>19340158

> Amaryllis first, then.

You send Amaryllis to tell her dad to meet you. When asked where, you just say to meet at the Totems - a street where tribal totems have been placed, which is quite a busy leisure area by evening.

As for Lily, you are sure she'll return soon once she finishes gathering her network. What's amusing, come think of it, is that she said she'd do it as if she's already planned something like this - or maybe she has? You wonder if you're tapping into something interesting, maybe a village intelligence group...

And with that the retinue splits ways. Peony stays with you, while you send the others back to the Palace to do what work needs doing. 'I do wonder about the Red Pines,' you say. 'I wonder how much land would suffice for them to graze on. We'll send your father off to purchase the land, if need be.'

'Wait, sir, you weren't considering housing the lot of them in the Appanage, are you?' Peony says. 'Each wing of a tribe is defined as being able to contribute 500 adult fighting men. That means there must be at least a thousand and a half, maybe two thousand people. That would literally be inviting an army into the Appanage. Even if His Highness allowed it, the Royal Court would never approve...'

You think that over. Even if you did buy up remote land, it would be equivalent to yielding land over to a tribe of the hillmen. A large chunk of land. Given the atmosphere in the Palace and the city at the moment, you're not sure that is a wise political move.

'Could we conceal it, you reckon?'

'With the tribes constantly in touch with the Palace? They already knew about the succession crisis - well, the purported succession crisis - even before we did, sir. Which, of course, is my own failure. But nonetheless - the news will be out within days.'

Damn... meanwhile, you've arrived at a restaurant, and Peony looks at it. 'Is this where we're meeting Amaryllis' father? It seems a bit... restaurant-ish.'

'Not really, no...' Peony gives you a quizzical look.

> What do/say?

>>19340331

Act nonchalant and go in, settle down. Order the most garlicky dish we can see.

Is it dinner time yet? It's not, is it? Let's hope Amaryllis finds us here; we could talk in a restaurant.

>>19340331
Well, the news was going to get out some time.

It will be a bit before we meet, I decided the best use of time was to grab a bit of food. Come along Peony.

Head into the restaurant, bring Peony with us and just happen to order something spicy and garlicky, insist on Peony having some.

>>19340331
I assume they wouldn't consent to becoming members of the Appanage under our rule, would they? If they were just normal 'citizens' it wouldn't be a problem.

But I have a question. OP, why didn't you tell us about this HUGE, ENORMOUSLY IMPORTANT detail when we first made the plan two threads ago? It was mentioned several times that secrecy was important and you never contradicted anything.

Sigh. Well, no matter. They would just be grazing on our lands anyway and paying tribute in dudes and monies. Not like they are resettling their entire tribe. That, at least, could be concealed by relocating what few peasants are there away from the relevant areas and letting the relevant tribe leaders know that if word gets back we're going to have to cut them off.

>>19340452

The Hillmen were talking about winter grazing. Those guys don't stay in one place; being pastoral in a hilly area, they move up and down according to seasons and water availability.

Neither, in fact, did I recall the plan from two threads ago to be about gathering the whole of the left wing in one place, permanently. Providing land to graze on, and providing an entire settlement, are two rather different things, and I figured you guys meant the first (which might make sense).

What Peony says is to forestall it from being the second, because the second is, well, you know now. The first is still risky, but doable.

>>19340489
The plan was always to steal away the grazing and turn it into a cash/trained warrior resource, apologies if there was misunderstanding. I just assumed we would need to buy up a lot of land to graze 2000 people's worth of cows, sheep, and goats.

>>19340426
>>19340396

'Actually, wait a minute - since when were we talking about housing the left wing on our land?' You say as you sit down.

'Oh, you weren't going to, sir?'

'Those are Hillmen - they don't settle, in any case. You'd know.' You think about that. 'We'll hold the land, and they will have grazing rights, that's all.'

'That wouldn't require much royal approval then,' Peony says, nodding. 'But it would then raise the question of how we intend to return a bunch of criminals back to a tribe which apparently has expelled them, and hope to get those men back to being esteemed leaders of their tribe. Come think of it, if those were all the people who came down from the hills, the rest of the left wing must still be up in the hills somewhere...'

> Hmm. What say to that? Meanwhile a slave comes up and tells Peony that Amaryllis says she'll be here soon. That wasn't too hard.

>>19340589
I was under the impression they weren't so much expelled as split away. And really, in the end, a hungry belly is what talks loudest. If those guys come back with news that grazing is now a solid reality then that forgives a whole lot right there.

'We'll get in touch with those, I expect.' Meanwhile, you order some cold dishes - pork skin jelly marinated in chilli oil; crunchy garlic vinegar cucumbers; peanuts cooked in pepper sauce. Peony blinks.

'You don't eat that much spice, do you, sir?'

'Damn, you're right.' You look at the plates of snacks. The pork skin jelly is red enough to make you wince. 'Looks like it's all yours then.'

She frowns, and then the realisation hits her and she smiles as she puts down her chopsticks. Man, she's really pretty when she smiles. It's no wonder people call her one of the four pretty attendants in the Palace right now - well, not counting the Prince's own people of course. 'Sir... you really shouldn't have...'

You gesture to the food, and she eats the pork skin. Slurp. Slurrrp! You then watch in horror as she balances a slice of the jelly on her chopsticks, and then drenches it in chilli oil before eating it. The oil drips all over her serving plate, bright, terrifying red...

> Do/say anything?

>>19340622

The men who attacked the village were split from the left wing - well, they were a delegation turned raiding party. But the situation within the Red Pines itself seems rather unstable.

Ambassador mentioned a succession crisis; the tributes don't match up, so there's probably infighting of some sort; and why are the left wing unable to get enough land to graze when there's two other wings to help out?

So, worst-case scenario, it might well be that shit has gone down war style up in the hills. The problem is, you don't really know. You wonder if anyone does...

>>19340515

Also, no worries - I'm glad that's cleared things up. I was genuinely wondering what might be under planning. Well, if someone has to rebuke Adrian, Peony's as pleasant as it gets...

>>19340645
Shudder in slight horror and awe. Tell her that she still needs to that that day off soon, and that we're assigning her the duty of doing so before long.

Otherwise, well, make pleasant conversation. Find out her opinion on things, like for instance our attempts at rising to power so far. She's pretty much privy to it all, so she has a good overview. Get her opinion on who might be the best among our attendants (or otherwise, if she finds none suitable) to act as head-of-household overseeing our resources in places like our Secret Mansion in the city when us, Baseg, or herself are not there.

And really, learn more about her. Find out what makes her tick. Friends? Enemies? Hobbies? Favorite blacksmith to buy razorblades from? What happened to her finger? I assume since she grew up alongside us we would know some of these things at least.

>>19340589

'They are. We're sending those hillmen back to tell them about the plan. That's the best way out; it'd gain us credit with that tribe, in return for gifts.'

>>19340681
>You wonder if anyone does...
Presumably the hillmen do, and we just happen to have some here.

>>19340622
>>19340743
>>19340759

'Well, they are indeed unstable, it seems. There's only one way for us to find out - ask the ones we've captured. They'll have cause to speak honestly, surely. Also, oh heavens!'

'Hmm? Oh, I'm sorry sir...' she wipes her mouth, and it comes off as a bright orange-red lip stain. 'Well. I'll ask them and prepare a report, then...'

'That'd be good. That'd be excellent.'

You know why her pinky finger's like that - it was an accident with a millstone when she was a girl. Come think of it, that was probably the first or second time you saw a human bleed.

As you talk to her, there's a certain familiar glow now. You do know what she likes. She likes the moon; she likes orderly things, to have all the letters sorted by date and all the scrolls sorted by word order. She doesn't like... oh, that's a bit harder. She wouldn't tell you what she doesn't like.

'Well, sir...' she says when you ask. 'To be honest... I don't like dogs.'

'What?'

'Don't really like them. Just... don't. I don't like cows either, or beef. I'd much rather eat pork.'

Well, that's convenient...

> More incoming.

Peony thinks that, should something happen that needs attendants to guard the home base, it's probably best to get Rose and Linden.

'The two veterans, eh?'

'They're veterans so they know how to run things. But they should do it together. Linden might offend people too easily, and Rose much enjoys working under supervision than independently.'

As for your attempts at gaining the spotlight, Peony smiles. 'I... to be honest, Father's always held you on a tight leash and he intended to do that until now. He was worried you might do something... silly, sir.'

'Can't say I have fully assuaged that fear.'

'I would say, sir... so far your plans seem to have been rather active and offensive. You've been going a little on the attack, though not as aggressively as some others. That's useful, but currently it might be straining your resources.'

'And what do you suggest?'

'I think, sir, we should focus on the things that are important... or I guess they are important. Finances, staffing, and reputation. Consider the First Earl. His Highness has his... disputes, and the Earl lives far from the Palace. But now he is known as a patron of learned men, much favoured in discourse. Sometimes not doing is the best way of doing... of course, if it is actually conscious not-doing.'

That sounded a bit complex. Hmmm. But you think you get the point in general.

> What do/say/ask?

>>19340912

'So what do those building things entail?'

>>19341005

Peony thinks for a moment. 'Well... for one, there is the matter of choosing a fief.'

Oh yeah, the fief. You hadn't thought of that for some time... 'what about it?'

'Well, you'll have to choose a good one, sir! Hopefully there is one which is reasonably prosperous - it does not need to be very prosperous right now - and then relatively easy to govern. That would give scope for developing a reputation.

'Another step would be to... well, to do this.'

You follow Peony's gaze and see Amaryllis, with another man behind her. She sees you, and quickly shuffles up before bowing.

'Your lordship!'

'Amaryllis.' You then turn and see the man who must be her father, who then bows and salutes himself.

'Your lordship. I am Kurigis. It is my honour to be in your presence...'

You quickly move aside to let him sit, while Amaryllis attends to you. Peony gulps several mouthfuls of tea and gargles a bit before attending to Kurigis.

> What do/say?

"Well, that's solid advice, but unfortunately to have the luxury of time you need the luxury of income. Hopefully after the convocation we can settle down and consolidate the gains for a time. I for one would welcome a reprieve, and I daresay you would too.

"For that matter, Peony, I've noticed that you have been working tirelessly and diligently, and I would like to give my thanks. You are the head of my household now, alongside your father, and while a great responsibility comes with that -- one you have no doubt been feeling -- I would also have you know that great trust and latitude does as well. In private, I encourage you to speak if you have something that you believe I should know, good or bad. And if you see an opportunity, I trust you to act in my name with full authority, even if we have not discussed the situation prior."

Hopefully this will convey our thanks for how hard she's been working and show we trust her completely. Giving her full authority to use our name should help with a lot of trivial details that likely frustrate her on a daily basis -- got to get the Master's signature for this grain shipment but he's out playing politics with the merchants, damn it! -- that kind of thing. It could also give us great opportunities that might otherwise be missed due to her needing to come back for approval.

>>19341129
Well damn. A little late I guess. Well, we can tell her on the walk home or something.

I just think we should give her the ability to speak in our name for things because it will make things go a lot smoother in emergency situations or any time where she can't immediately contact us. Like if some spies come in with critical information from our extensive spy network, in the future, but we are off at a party, we're giving her the go-ahead to do what she thinks best for the moment until we get back.

>>19341164
>>19341129

Noted. A good way of solidifying this bond, really, is to give her a gift that shows her status.

Remember last time when, for her to get authorisation for emergency grain supplies, you had to give her your sash ornament? If you could give her something like that, or even a small ink seal, that would be officially giving her some power.

>>19341184
Could we, say, commission a brooch, bracelet, or ring with our insignia on it and worked in silver and gold? Something that basically says "I have the powaaaaaahhhhhh!"

>>19341091
Smile and tell him that we have heard much about him and have been looking forward to the meeting, and ask him to have a seat. Tell him that he has a wonderful daughter and he should be proud, the usual smalltalk, then move on and ask how his studies have been going and what, specifically, he studies and writes about. Get a feel for the scholarly layout of the land around the area and see what his main areas of study are.

>>19341261

In your culture, a seal is more usual for this - but you are free to do what you want with your own jewellery, of course! Either your name or your rank would be inscribed.

Would you like a ring, then?

>>19341303

'My useless daughter is not worth a single word of your praise, your lordship! You are too kind, far too kind...'

You ask about her, even as the restaurant waiter comes around to ask you if you want to order in an impatient voice. He clearly does not recognise you, but why make a scene? You nudge Amaryllis to delay a little, and the waiter sighs and walks off.

'So, what is it that you write and study?'

'I write poetry, sir - albeit pathetic poetry - and if I dare say so, I study some of it too. But besides poetry there are also the arts of governance and the writings of the many schools of thought...'

He trails off. Well. Iru isn't exactly known as being a place where such thinking is welcomed, unlike in the far west and the southern coastal kingdoms. You nod. 'So, which school do you incline towards, Kurigis?'

'If I had to choose one, sir?' He smiles. 'I suppose I would call myself a Menegist, then...'

'Ah! If the warehouse is well built, the rats will not eat grain; if a city is well built, there will not be thieves.' You quote the saying smoothly; you know a little about the Menegists yourself. 'I take it that's not easy, in the city.'

'Not really, no...' he sighs. 'Margade is full of money, but sorely lacking in learning. Can you imagine, sir, can you imagine illiterate nobles? And yet I have come across the same, many times, in the city. It is... quite disturbing.'

> What do/say? Two more posts before I go to bed. Tonight's been... seriously quiet.

> Okay, calling it. Goodnight, and thanks for playing!

>>19341389
A seal is fine then, I just was thinking it might be easier to carry around if it were crafted into some bit of jewelery. A ring is fine too in my opinion. Whatever is practical, convenient, and something she would have no problems concealing or showing off, depending on the needs at the time.

As for Kurigis, while a Legalist point of view is a bit more in keeping with the strict right of nobles to rule by birth, Menegists are pretty decent too. Quite stable, and accepting of our right to rule with some level of mobility as well. A good philosophy. We should see if he is open to taking a commission or two... and perhaps if he knows any scholars of administrative bent in the city. We need to see what we can hash out with these regulations and, maybe, have them hash out a set of highly profitable rules we can have the guards enforce on a section of city when we move on to Operation Bribe Guards.

And yeah, the thread has been slow. I think it's a combination of the duration between threads and going away for a few hours at the start.

we should try to bring in some more educated individuals (a council in the making perhaps?) but we need to be mindful of public opinions. We shouldnt just bring in a group all at once. We need to ease the transition or we will lose public support.