Path to Prosperity
A/N: I would now start using POVs in this novel as *always* writing from the third person viewpoint is unbearably painful. Please try to accustom yourself to it, I would try my best to not downgrade the quality of the chapters. Let's continue with the new approach.
—----
"I would start the reconstruction of roads in the barony as well," stated Edward.
"And why would you do so?" inquired Boris, the steward.
"The peasants in the barony are severely poor, and this reconstruction may open opportunities for immediate income. Additionally, we can connect these roads to the trade routes to generate more profit," Edward explained with determination.
"Seems like a sound plan. Go ahead with it, Milord," Boris concurred.
—----
[BORIS'S POV]
This young lad is proving to be quite exceptional. First, he devised a brilliant strategy to outwit the Baron. The Baron's castle walls were formidable, but Edward found a way.
Second, he publicly exposed the Baron's treachery by presenting those incriminating letters. This move solidified his regency in the eyes of the people.
Now, thirdly, he's launching a project to provide employment and improve the living conditions of the peasants.
Edward's foresight and decisive actions are indeed impressive. It gives me hope for a brighter future under his rule.
—----
[EDWARD'S POV]
Now that I have control over the barony, I must make an important decision.
Will I stay here and solidify my rule before inheriting the earldom, or will I continue my journey to tour England?
In truth, the latter option was chosen to satisfy my modern history fanaticism. Initially, my focus was on understanding firsthand how the medieval kingdom operated, not to gain worldly experience. I already had six decades of that in my previous life.
"So, I suppose I shall rule," I said with a sigh.
A week passed, and soon a messenger arrived from Norwich. He was granted entry into the city after the guards recognized the Plantagenet seal on his letter. He then read the message aloud in the hall or throne room where I, the regent, was seated.
"Baron Roger of House Norwood's trial concluded last Thursday. He was found guilty of numerous crimes, from tax evasion to treason, embezzlement to conspiracy. He has been sentenced to death on the upcoming Monday. His family is stripped of any claims to the barony. The children are sent to their maternal home, the barony of Framlingham in Suffolk, along with their mother.
The Earl has decided to grant the barony with all its riches to his son and heir, Edward Plantagenet, provided he renounces his desire to tour the kingdom."
A smile curled on my lips as I heard the message.
"Go and inform my father that I graciously accept his offer. From now on, I shall be known as the Baron of Wymondham," I instructed the messenger.
The messenger bowed to me and quickly departed for Norwich, having restocked his rations for the day-long journey.
After an hour more long court session, I retired to my chambers and just laid on the bed.
"Status"
Status:
Name - Edward Plantagenet
Age - 13
Title - Heir of Norfolk, Baron of Wymondham
Martial - 12
Diplomacy - 9
Intelligence - 29
Reputation - B-
Wealth - £112,870
Skills - Appraise (Lv. 6), Financial Literacy(Lv. 4), Oratory(Lv. 4), Alchemy(Lv. 3), Leadership(Lv. 2)
Level - 11 [156/1100]
Spare Points - 1
Shop - 5 Pts
[THIRD PERSON]
With a smile on his face, he whispered to himself, "So, the Baron of Wymondham, I am."
Edward, now the Baron of Wymondham, had taken up his newfound responsibilities with a sense of determination. The weight of his title, coupled with his esteemed lineage, made him a figure of great respect in the kingdom. As the cousin to the king, grandson to the former King of England, and great-grandson to the former King of France, he held a position of influence that few could rival among non-royal nobility.
However, this newfound power also came with a profound sense of responsibility. Edward now governed over a dozen villages and towns, and the lives of many depended on his decisions. It was a daunting prospect, but he was determined to rise to the occasion.
His first order of business was to address the pressing issues within the barony. The treasury was overflowing with wealth, but it needed to be used wisely for the welfare of the citizens, rather than being squandered lavishly.
Edward drafted three essential plans:
1. Infrastructure Construction: This plan encompassed the construction of vital infrastructure such as roads, bridges, granaries, market towns, defensive structures, small hospitals, and sewage systems. These initiatives aimed not only to facilitate trade within the barony but also to safeguard the citizens from potential invasions and the spread of diseases.
2. Army Recruitment: The loss of a significant number of the former baron's men during the defense of Wymondham had left the barony vulnerable. Additionally, the soldiers lent by the Earl for the subjugation of the barony were now returning to their original service under their lord. Edward recognized the need to rebuild the barony's defense forces to ensure its security.
3. Establishment of Guilds: Edward planned to establish guilds within the barony to provide artisans and merchants with a platform for cooperation and legal competition. These guilds would also serve as centers for training young individuals in various crafts. Apprentices would undergo years of training and education in exchange for their labor. The guilds would enforce strict quality standards to maintain the reputation of the barony's goods.
With these plans in mind, Edward set to work. He began by ordering a dozen soldiers to go at each location in barony and announce of the three following tasks while also making a records for volunteers. When the task may begin, these men will be brought to the location.
—----
[EDWARD'S POV]
As the evening of the next day approached, all the soldiers returned, their faces marked by a sense of accomplishment, and they handed over the detailed records of their endeavors. Over three hundred eager men had applied to work on infrastructure construction, while approximately one hundred and fifty aspired to serve in the army. Nearly eighty merchants and artisans expressed their interest in joining the guild.
As I reviewed these records, a pop-up notification suddenly appeared, momentarily capturing my attention.
Quest: Form A Household Guard. [At least 15 men]
Time Limit: 2 Weeks
Reward: 750 XP, 75 SP
It appeared that fate had presented an opportunity to achieve two critical goals in one stroke. Without hesitation, I accepted the quest and proceeded to seek the approval of the courtiers for these ambitious undertakings. Recognizing the potential benefits, they granted their consent. The very next day, I took measures to ensure that news of fair wages reverberated throughout the barony.
These were the established wage rates:
- Soldiers: 10 pence/day (wartime) & 5 pence/day (peace)
- Masons: 8 pence/day
- Carpenters: 6 pence/day
- Laborers: 4 pence/day
Soldiers received three times their usual pay, while other professions enjoyed double their standard wages. This adjustment alone made the prospect of employment within the barony remarkably appealing.
On the subsequent day, a staggering five hundred men applied to join the ranks of the military. However, due to logistical constraints, we could only accommodate three hundred and fifty. Their training commenced immediately, with the promise that the eleven best among them would be recruited as household guards. This esteemed position would not only grant them knightly status but also a daily wage of 2 shillings. Such compensation allowed them to consider acquiring a horse every fortnight. This generous offer served as a potent motivator for men to strive relentlessly for this prestigious post and to undergo rigorous training to secure it.
Concurrently, construction work began in earnest. We initiated the projects with road construction, entrusting the master masons, our seasoned architects, with the blueprint of our grand design. Their enthusiasm to oversee the creation of such an intricate network of roads was palpable.
However, the establishment of the guild would have to wait, as it was contingent upon the completion of the various construction projects. This endeavor was projected to take anywhere from four to six months, and we were resolute in our commitment to bringing these initiatives to fruition.
Ten days had passed since the commencement of our ambitious projects, and I awoke with the first light of dawn. After completing my regular exercise regimen, I headed straight for the training grounds within the designated army area of the city. Today marked a significant moment: the day when the eleven best men would be chosen to join the household guards.
Ideally, the method of selection should have involved pitting them against each other after a week of basic training, allowing the strongest to emerge victorious. Yet, this approach didn't sit right with me. It seemed to be a wasteful and inefficient means of identifying the best candidates, and it would inevitably lead to lives being lost unnecessarily. Such lives could be better utilized for the overall betterment of the barony.
To capitalize on this opportunity, I devised a plan. I initiated the spread of news about a grand tournament throughout the entire earldom. Previously, tournaments were exclusive affairs, reserved for those of noble birth. However, I decided to break with tradition. In this tournament, anyone who had applied for the barony's army, regardless of noble or common birth, could participate. This inclusive approach created a buzz of excitement and anticipation among the populace.
The training grounds were swiftly enclosed by sturdy fences, and a vast temporary wooden stadium emerged around it. Rows of portable wooden seats were assembled, forming a structure that ascended in tiers. Seven levels on each side of the arena allowed for approximately a thousand spectators to witness the spectacle. Such a structure would barely last a day, so this was just a temporary solution to the problem, I am planning to construct a colosseum like the old romans to counter this. To maintain transparency and efficient record-keeping, I introduced a ticket system, each priced at a modest 2 pence. The introduction of this format was met with widespread approval.
Regrettably, my father was unable to attend, as urgent matters required his presence in London. Nonetheless, the tournament proceeded as planned. I settled into my designated seat at the front of the northern wing, which was reserved for those of gentle birth and had a ticket price of 5 pence each.
The arrangements I had orchestrated proved to be financially fruitful, generating a significant sum of 10 pounds (£6K in 2023) on a single day of tournament. If we could maintain this level of revenue each day , it would equate to at least £300 per month (£180K in 2023), potentially serving as a lucrative source of income. However, I had no intention of pursuing this venture extensively. Such events retained their allure when organized infrequently.
Without further delay, the tournament commenced. Participants were given a choice between two weapons: a sword or a spear. The stage was set for a thrilling display of skill and courage.
The matchups for the tournament had been meticulously arranged the night before, leaving all participants with one simple task: to arrive at the arena and engage in their duels. The tournament was structured as a nine-level competition, with a total of 512 men vying for victory. The format was straightforward: win your duel, and you would advance to the next round. This progression led from 512 to the top 256, then to the top 128, and so forth.
Prizes and recognition awaited the participants at various stages of the tournament. Those ranking from 17th to 32nd place would receive a reward of 5 shillings each. The competitors from 9th to 16th place would fare even better, earning half a pound for their efforts. Among these, the three best performers would be selected to join the household guards, a prestigious position with additional responsibilities.
The 5th to 8th place finishers would be granted a higher hierarchy within the group than the previous ones. In addition to their elevated status, they would receive one and a half pounds as a reward for their achievements.
The top four contestants were entitled to substantial prizes as well. The second, third, and fourth place finishers would be provided with their own houses near the castle, affording them a comfortable residence close to the heart of the barony. They would also receive a prize of five pounds each.
The ultimate victor of the tournament would claim the grand prize: one acre of land, the esteemed title of "paramount knight," and a substantial prize money of 20 pounds. While these rewards would effectively cancel out the revenue generated by the tournament, I embraced this opportunity wholeheartedly. It would instill a deep sense of loyalty in the hearts of both the common populace and the strong soldiers. For the weaker participants, the prospect of winning such rewards was a powerful motivator. Owning an acre of land as a commoner was a cherished dream for many, as it could generate enough revenue to sustain their families for decades to come.
Offering one acre of land as a reward for the tournament's victor seemed like a generous gesture, but in truth, it was a mere fraction of the vast lands under my control. With over 14,000 acres at my disposal, most of which lay unused or underutilized, parting with a single acre held little consequence for me. In the grand scheme of things, parting with one acre of land was a minor sacrifice. The long-term benefits, both in terms of loyalty and a motivated populace, far outweighed the immediate costs. It was a strategic move aimed at solidifying my rule and ensuring the prosperity of the barony in the years to come.
The clash of two swords rang through the air, drawing my attention away from my contemplations. Two young men, both in their twenties, were locked in a fierce duel. The audience erupted into cheers as they watched the contest unfold. However, I knew that this initial enthusiasm would likely wane over time, given that there were over 500 matches scheduled for the tournament.
Each duel could last anywhere from two to three minutes on average, meaning that the entire tournament would span a grueling 35 hours, breaks included. This was precisely why I had carefully organized the tournament to ensure the highest attendance on its final day.
The event had been spread out strategically: 14 hours on Friday, another 14 hours on Saturday, and a final seven hours on Sunday. By hosting the grand finale on a Sunday, I aimed to capitalize on the fact that most people would be free to attend on that day.
As my thoughts faded into the background, I observed one of the combatants on his knees, clutching his injured left hand in pain. The other emerged as the victor of the duel, marking the conclusion of their battle. The tournament was well underway, with many more matches to come.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
AidenAgnor
AidenAgnor This chapter has around 2.5K words as I forgot the 1.5k to 2k limit while writing. Hehe!
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
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