Chapitre 8: The Queen’s Dilemma
The Royal Capital, Eldoria, stood as a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil that had gripped the Kingdom of Vernetia. In the northeast, beyond the formidable Rocky Mountains, lay the vast plateau of the Eastern Highlands. This region, while technically part of the kingdom, was home to numerous unassimilated barbarian tribes. Some of these tribes were nominally subservient to Vernetia, while others remained defiantly hostile, frequently sparking border skirmishes.
Historically, the rugged terrain and challenging supply lines of the highlands had hampered the kingdom's efforts to exert full control over the area. The tribes, lacking unity, kept each other in check, preventing any significant uprising.
However, this year had seen a troubling shift. As spring farming commenced, several traditionally hostile tribes had begun to cause coordinated disruptions. Caught off guard, the kingdom's border troops struggled to manage the escalating conflict.
In response to the worsening situation, the Ironclad Knight of House Grafton, Duke Arnold Grafton, had been dispatched to lead an army into the highlands. Though the coordinated uprising suggested an unusual level of organization, there was no time for thorough investigation. With spring planting at stake, immediate action was imperative.
Despite the fierce resistance from the barbarian coalition, Duke Arnold's well-trained forces had made significant progress in pushing the tribes back.
But just as victory seemed within reach, the crisis escalated further with Duke Cedric's rebellion. Now, as the Queen convened a military council in the heavily guarded room of the Royal Palace, the gravity of the situation was starkly apparent.
Queen Eldoria, adorned in knightly armor, her golden curls cascading around her shoulders, sat at the head of the table. Her piercing blue eyes were fixed on the map before her, and her brow was furrowed in concentration. The generals around her argued animatedly, their voices rising and falling in a chaotic symphony. Finally, she raised her head and straightened her posture, her voice commanding immediate silence.
"Everyone!" Her voice cut through the cacophony, bringing an abrupt end to the quarreling.
"Let's first hear about the situation in all parts of the kingdom."
General Marcus Elden, a veteran commander with a grizzled demeanor, cleared his throat and began his report. "Your Majesty, the situation across the kingdom is dire but varied."
He gestured to the map, indicating the different regions. "In the northern territories, Duke Cedric has successfully conquered lands held by noble houses such as Lennox and Everhart. The displaced nobility is arriving at the Royal Capital in increasing numbers every day, seeking refuge and assistance."
General Elden's finger traced a line southward. "The Eastern Highlands, under the protection of the Ironclad Knight and his five thousand troops, remain secure. This area is the only part of the northern territory still under our control."
He then pointed to the remaining northern regions. "The rest of the northern territories have fallen into Cedric's hands. His forces, along with various allied factions, now occupy these lands."
The general's gaze shifted to the southern part of the kingdom. "In the south, the situation is equally troubling. Nobles have begun looting each other's estates in a desperate bid to secure resources and power. The lawlessness has resulted in widespread chaos."
He continued, his tone grave, "However, House Grafton's acting Duke has managed to stabilize their territory. Through decisive action, he has quelled the looting and secured his domain, maintaining order amidst the chaos."
General Elden's expression grew more somber. "In the west, Riverton and several other houses, including House Marlowe and House Holloway, are embroiled in constant fighting and looting. Their primary goal is to support Cedric's armies on the northern front. The region is plagued with strife as these houses vie for dominance and resources."
He concluded, "At present, only the Royal Capital, under House Eldoria, the Southern territories, guarded by House Grafton, and the Eastern Highlands, also protected by House Grafton, remain stable and under our control. Most other nobles have adopted a stance of neutrality, waiting to see how the conflict unfolds."
Queen Eldoria absorbed the information with a measured silence. Her gaze was distant, lost in thought as she considered the gravity of the reports. Finally, she spoke, her voice steady but tinged with concern. "We have a great many displaced nobles from the lost northern territories. Their arrival in the capital has put a strain on our resources and infrastructure."
A murmur of agreement and concern rippled through the room. One of the advisors, Lord Reginald, spoke up. "Your Majesty, we must consider how to manage these displaced individuals. They are seeking refuge and support, but their influx could overwhelm our already strained resources."
Queen Eldoria nodded. "Indeed. We must devise a strategy to accommodate and integrate these nobles into our realm without compromising our own stability. They must be given roles and responsibilities that contribute to the kingdom's defense and recovery."
Another advisor, Lady Selene, suggested, "Perhaps we can create a system to allocate resources and positions based on merit and need. We can assess their skills and assign them roles that will aid in the reconstruction and defense of the kingdom."
The Queen's gaze swept over the gathered council. "Very well. I will entrust this task to a special committee. We must ensure that these displaced nobles are integrated effectively and contribute to our efforts against Cedric's rebellion."
As the council continued to discuss the logistics of managing the displaced nobility, Queen Eldoria felt a weight of responsibility pressing down on her. The fate of the kingdom hung in the balance, and every decision she made would impact the future of Vernetia.
She was determined to navigate these turbulent times with wisdom and resolve, striving to restore order and justice to her fractured realm.
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
Maugus0
Maugus0 I’d love to hear your thoughts on this chapter! Did the depiction of the northern political landscape and the Queen’s strategic response meet your expectations? Are there any specific aspects you’d like to see expanded? Feel free to share any suggestions or comments you have!
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
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