Industrial Mage: Modernizing a Magical World

10 - Holden Affairs & Numbers Going Up!

Author's Note:

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Ethan surveyed the men before him, schooling his expression. Cedric was one of his advisors, a lean man, taller than the average in Holden, and wiry, but with the unmistakable long and callused fingers of someone well skilled with a bow. It was odd to see such features, but Ethan wasn't one to point it out or talk about it. A perpetual worried crease etched between his brows; he shuffled a stack of parchments.

Beside him, Roland stood with a hand on the pommel of his sword—a habit Ethan had grown accustomed to. Leaning back, Ethan opened his mouth.

"Alright, gentlemen. Let's get through this."

Cedric cleared his throat. "First, my lord, the harvest report." He unfolded the top parchment. "The rains were late this year, my lord. We're looking at a significant shortfall in barley and oats."

Ethan frowned. "Roland," he switched focus. "The scouting report on the bandits? Has Sir Thomas revealed something? What about the brigands?"

"Sir Thomas has been tight-lipped. The brigands have been bolder, my lord. Spotted them harassing farmsteads near Holden's western border.

"Have we identified the culprits?"

"No, my Lord. But they seem organized, well-equipped. Too well-equipped, I might say."

Ethan drummed his fingers on the desk. This wasn't your typical ragtag group of cutthroats, that much was clear. "Some sort of a group, then."

"Yes."

"Mobilize a patrol. Set a few archers down range. Kill the bandits on sight, we can't have them acting bolder."

Roland nodded, his chin bobbing, face emotionless.

"Any other news? Have we received word from the neighboring barons regarding the proposed trade agreement?" Ethan asked.

"Yes, my lord. Sir Jack informed me that one of his ravens returned this morning; he says they spotted two men bearing the crest of the crown—"

"Tax collectors," Ethan interrupted. "They should already be in Siez by now, then."

Siez was a city two weeks' ride from Holden.

"Well then, we must do something about the harvest," Ethan murmured. He had some ideas, but all of them would require money.

"As for trade... Everyone has denied, like usual. Lord Ashton has been with Holden since Lord Baelgard's death, but even he appears hesitant now. Cites concerns about the quality of our goods."

"Hmm. Excuses." Ethan sighed. "He doesn't want to work with us anymore. He's likely receiving pressure; I don't blame him. I've offended quite a lot of nobles in my... teen years."

Ethan cleared his throat. "We'll send another sample," Ethan decided, his voice firm. "Along with a personal letter outlining the benefits of trade with Holden, only this time, including soap; I'm sure he'll latch onto the opportunity if he has some foresight."

Ashton was playing politics, but they couldn't afford to alienate their only potential trading partner.

The rest of the morning was spent in a similar vein—discussing minor squabbles amongst the populace, a few dead bodies that were reported, potential repairs needed on the crumbling town walls, and other matters regarding Holden.