章 7: Baron of Wymondham
Over the past couple of years, Edward's health has markedly improved. Once a frail, ailing child, he has transformed into a youth displaying nascent muscle development—a promising foundation suggesting future strength. Subtle contours hint at latent power, a canvas shaping potential.
While in medieval societies, a plump body often symbolized wealth and well-being, signaling access to ample resources and good health, during times of warfare, such a physique could prove detrimental in battle due to its size. Such a body might attract illnesses, and in an era when medicine was scarce, recovery relied on faith and fortune.
"I'm rather confident teenage girls would swoon over me," Edward quipped with a smile.
"Times can be quite the curse," he mused, reflecting on his position as the heir to an earldom during an era plagued by incessant warfare, which would give him less to no time for such pleasures that he seek.
A knock came on his room's door.
"We're ready, Milord," a husky voice came across.
"Coming" announced Edward.
Opening the door, he shouldered a Drawstring Bag filled with essentials. Down the stairs, he entered the bailey, where four armored men stood by their horses, bascinets in hand. At his approach, they donned their helmets and straightened.
"Ready, sirs?" Edward asked.
"Yes, Milord," they chorused.
Smiling, Edward leaped into the saddle of his chestnut-coated horse, sturdy and purposeful. The horse's sinewy form and expressive eyes spoke of partnership and strength, its thoroughbred lineage evident. As Edward readied, knights mounted their horses, dispersing in all directions of him. Approaching the castle gates, he bid farewell to his sisters, then set forth on his journey.
Edward's initial destination lay in the barony of Wymondham, situated 15 kilometers from Norwich. The journey was anticipated to span 6 to 7 hours, with the sun veiled by cloud cover.
As Edward embarked on this journey towards the barony of Wymondham, accompanied by his four knights, he couldn't help but strike up a conversation with them.
"Seems like we're in for a bit of a journey today," Edward remarked, glancing at the cloud-covered sky.
"Aye, my lord. But it should be a relatively smooth ride," one of the knights responded, adjusting his horse's reins.
"I hope so. It's good to have some time away from the castle," Edward said with a hint of excitement in his voice.
"Indeed, my lord. It's not often you get a chance to explore our lands so extensively," another knight chimed in.
"True, true. And it'll be a good opportunity to see how the villages and towns are faring," Edward added thoughtfully.
The fourth knight, who had been relatively quiet, finally spoke up. "My lord, I've heard that Wymondham has been dealing with some issues lately. Banditry and such."
Edward frowned at the news. "Banditry? That's not good. We'll have to assess the situation and see how we can help."
The first knight nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, my lord. It's important to ensure the safety and security of our subjects."
As they continued their journey, Edward couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility weighing on his shoulders. He was determined to make a positive impact during his expedition, even if it meant addressing challenges like banditry.
"Well, gentlemen, let's make the best of this journey. Hopefully, we can bring some improvements to the places we visit," Edward said, his tone resolute.
The knights nodded in agreement, their loyalty evident. "We're with you every step of the way, my lord."
4 hours later,
As the hours drifted by and the group continued their journey toward Wymondham, they stumbled upon a picturesque lake with water so clear that it seemed to mirror the sky above. Edward signaled for his companions to pause, and they gathered at the water's edge.
"Look at this," Edward remarked, his eyes scanning the pristine water with a hint of astonishment.
The first knight, kneeling to dip his fingers into the water, inspected it closely. "This is quite the discovery, my lord. The water is remarkably pure."
Edward nodded in agreement, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "In my time, such clear waters were a rarity. Pollution from industrialization tainted many lakes and rivers."
The second knight's brow furrowed in confusion. "Industrialization? My lord, I am not familiar with that term."
Edward quickly shook his head, realizing his slip. "Forgive me. It's a matter of little importance. Let's focus on the task at hand."
The third knight, looking around, spoke up. "Regardless of the circumstances, it's a privilege to encounter such untouched beauty. Nature at its finest."
Edward smiled, grateful for the opportunity to experience this moment. "Indeed. Let's take a brief respite here before we continue our journey."
After a few moments of quiet contemplation by the lake, the group mounted their horses and set off once again. As they rode on, Edward couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. This expedition was more than just a journey—it was a chance to make a difference in this world, even if he couldn't reveal the knowledge he carried from the future.
With his mind focused on the path ahead, they continued their ride towards Wymondham, leaving behind the untouched beauty of the lakeside scene.
As their destination drew closer, Edward and his companions spotted the baron, accompanied by his wife and two sons, waiting near the entrance of the town to welcome the young lord and his knights to their territory.
The baron possessed a round and protruding belly, a hallmark of affluence and prosperity in the upper echelons of society. His wife exhibited a fair complexion, raven-black hair, and deep brown eyes that held an air of elegance. Despite her appearance, she appeared no older than thirty, a stark contrast to the baron, who seemed to carry years beyond his true age of forty. The two sons stood beside their parents, both roughly Edward's age, though one had a slight height advantage over the other by a few inches.
Edward and his knights dismounted, their feet meeting the ground as the baron extended his greetings, "It is a blessing from the gods that you have graced us with your presence in our humble territory."
With a genial smile, Edward replied, "Thank you for your kind words, Baron Norwood. As part of my expedition, it is my duty to visit the various baronies within my father's earldom."
The baron's smile appeared somewhat forced as he led Edward and his knights toward the castle. Along the way, Edward couldn't help but observe the town they passed through, his mind rife with thoughts.
"Hmm, the town's infrastructure is notably less developed than Norwich, which is to be expected. The populace also appears somewhat discontented. The market stalls lack the variety one would anticipate, with only a handful of buyers to be seen. Additionally, the presence of charred black patches amidst the usual huts raises questions," mused Edward.
Edward chose to retain his musings, though a gasp inadvertently escaped his lips as the baron's imposing castle came into view. The term 'huge' felt inadequate to describe the sheer scale of the structure. The gates themselves were adorned with literal silver borders, an extravagance that struck Edward as excessive. Upon their entry into the castle grounds, a flurry of servants caught his attention, all seemingly busy with preparations – likely for an upcoming feast. The main tower, he observed, rivaled the height of Norwich's.
As they traversed the castle's halls, Edward couldn't shake off his bewildering thought: Why does the lord's residence exude such opulence when the townsfolk appear to be struggling? While corruption was certainly a prevalent issue, its influence couldn't account for such stark contrasts. The Norwoods, being nouveau riche and new to nobility, were unlikely to possess generations of accumulated wealth. The disparity remained perplexing.
"Something does seem fishy," Edward thought, but he chose not to let his subconscious thoughts overpower his rational thinking.
Bringing an allegation against the baron within his own town would undoubtedly put his life at risk, especially when his total protection consisted of just four knights.
"The highest martial among them is just twelve," pondered Edward.
"Oh!" Edward exclaimed as an idea crossed his mind.
He turned his gaze towards the baron and activated his Appraise skill.
Status:
Name - Roger Norwood
Age - 41
Title - Baron of Wymondham
Martial - 4
Diplomacy - 11
Intelligence - 12
Reputation - C
Wealth - £107,975
Skills - Networking (Lv. 13), Discretion (Lv. 9), Negotiation (Lv. 7)
Level - 15 [542/1500]
The sheer magnitude of wealth left Edward astounded. While it was roughly half the fortune held by his father, the formidable Earl Thomas, it's important to consider the scope of their responsibilities. The earl had to support an extensive retinue and allocate funds for various needs, whereas a baron had a smaller force and fewer financial obligations. The wealth before him was nothing short of staggering. In today's terms, this sum could equate to a massive £66.2 million, a colossal amount. If utilized to its last penny, it could assemble an army of ten to twenty thousand soldiers, a force capable of challenging even the king's authority.
His attention then shifted to the skills section, where a list of acquired skills awaited his scrutiny. These abilities were intricately tied to the delicate art of political maneuvering in the medieval era. Networking, a skill that held the power to forge alliances, establish connections, and gather information from various quarters, had attained a level of mastery that showcased his adeptness at cultivating relationships in the intricate web of nobility. This proficiency allowed him to navigate through the intricate social fabric of the time, leveraging bonds and associations for his benefit.
Besides it, Discretion stood as a testament to his ability to navigate the treacherous waters of courtly politics with tact and subtlety. This skill allowed him to exercise impeccable judgment in his actions and words, ensuring that he maintained an air of mystery and restraint. In a world where even the slightest hint of misstep could unravel one's standing, Discretion was a potent tool for avoiding pitfalls and preserving one's reputation.
Negotiation, another skill of note, was a vital asset for any noble navigating the convoluted corridors of power. Roger's proficiency in this area spoke volumes about his capability to broker deals, settle disputes, and persuade even the most stubborn of adversaries. In an era where the balance of power could shift on the pivot of a well-executed negotiation, his adeptness held the potential to not only safeguard his interests but also advance them strategically.
While he contemplated the weight of these skills, Edward discerned their potential for harmonious integration in pursuit of multifaceted goals. Yet, he acknowledged the limitations inherent in their application—diplomacy, despite its potency, rarely yielded material wealth comparable to conquest.
Suddenly, a poignant reminder surged into his consciousness. The reports from his knights echoed vividly in his mind—tales of rampant banditry plaguing the region of Wymondham. These criminal activities inflicted significant losses upon the common folk, and unsettling whispers insinuated that the bandits were surprisingly well-equipped. A mosaic of evidence pointed toward a single, disconcerting possibility.
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