Horizon of War Series

Chapter 193: A Measured Advance

Chapter 193: A Measured Advance

A Measured Advance

Lansius, for the first time in years, heard news of his family. It had been several winters, but their names had never faded from his mind. Yet, the news came as a complete surprise; he had long since stopped expecting Bengrieve to keep his promise. With the succession crisis and the war in the north, everything had seemed too chaotic for such matters.

He swallowed and turned to Audrey, who met him with a reassuring gaze. He then glanced at his retinue—Sterling, Claire, Sigmund, and Farkas—all of whom nodded, likely grasping the significance of the names to him.

Sensing the shift in his favor, the messenger pressed on. “Lord Bengrieve and Sir Stan request your reinforcements to liberate Cascasonne.”

Lansius saw the bait in the request and understood why his benefactor had sent a messenger rather than a letter. He feigned frustration and replied sharply, “You can’t possibly expect me to relieve a siege and risk my retinue and troops just to save three souls that were promised to me.”

“My Lord is right,” Sigmund interjected. “By agreeing to this, Lord Bengrieve would secure Cascasonne, but Lord Lansius would only secure the few already promised to him. Unless you grant us the right to loot the city for three days, this offer has no merit.”

The two messengers exchanged glances before one spoke. "We saw the army moving to Midlandia. Surely it is beneficial to face a common enemy? Moreover, you are an ally to House Bengrieve and relative to House Stan."

"Do not mistake my issue with Sir Reginald will involve Cascasonne," Lansius warned. "Moreover, it's such a bad taste to use relationships to interfere with war settlements. Surely you must be in agreement that merit alone should be the measure of honor and reward."

"But My Lord, the besieger army in Cascasonne will eventually block your way. Surely you'll be better off fighting with the city and Sir Stan on your side."

"If it is, then there's no point in your request," Lansius countered. "If my movement against Sir Reginald will eventually pull the besieger army out, then Cascasonne will undoubtedly benefit without me having to liberate it."

The two could only exchange glances, knowing they couldn't refute the logic. The senior of the pair nodded before turning to speak. “My Lord, in exchange for this great assistance, Lord Bengrieve is prepared to offer his blessing for a stretch of land that did not originally belong to our camp.”

The mention of such an offer turned heads, and a ripple of murmurs spread among the group. The air seemed to hold its breath as they considered the weight of the proposal.

Many understood that while the Shogunate could raid and attack at will, they had no legitimacy to hold the province. Without it, the elite could easily sway the population into resistance, which could eventually lead to open rebellion. But with Lord Bengrieve’s backing, they could gain a stamp of legitimacy. Even with the succession crisis, there was no doubt that the commoners respected the Seneschal of Midlandia, and his support would be immensely powerful leverage.

Moreover, the stretch of land promised was vast; potentially as much as a quarter of the province, if not more. It was a great offer, on top of ensuring his family’s safety.

Lansius did not immediately agree, instead, he put on an indifferent expression and clicked his tongue. The absence of a letter and the way the messenger had hidden the offer did not sit well with him. “If Lord Bengrieve offers me such a proposition, then Midlandia must be a lost cause.”

“My Lord—” the messenger began to protest, but Lansius waved him off. From his side, Audrey’s hand pressed upon his arm as she leaned closer. “Let me handle them," she offered.

Lansius gave her an immediate nod, grateful. Audrey exited the carriage with Sterling and Claire. From above, Francisca leaped down swiftly, accompanied by two of her kin. One of them unfurled an umbrella to shield the lady from the sun. Her commanding presence, coupled with the fierceness of her retinue that included half-beasts easily overwhelmed the pair, who had never expected to encounter such a creature.

“Gentlemen,” Audrey addressed the messengers, her tone cool and controlled. “I apologize for my impatience, but my brother and Lord Bengrieve seem to have made many promises. Now, tell me”—her eyes gleamed, and her voice grew resonant, carrying a power that transcended mere words, “what else have they offered us?”

...

The carriage arrived safely at Eastern Mansion without incident. The two messengers had joined them as guests, and Lansius planned to meet with them again after gathering his thoughts and adjusting his plans. There was no doubt that he would march to Cascasonne. His vengeance against Sir Reginald could wait, as Lansius would prioritize his family's safety. Moreover, the messengers had mentioned that Hannei and Tia were also there.

"The problem is whether the castle still holds," Lansius said as he and Audrey slowly ascended the stairs to their chambers.

"The messengers seem confident," Audrey replied.

"How many months has it been? At least six?" Lansius exhaled deeply.

"Have some faith. It's Bengrieve we're talking about," Audrey reassured him.

Lansius nodded. "I can't believe we're relying on Bengrieve's acumen now."

"They have Sir Stan too," she pointed out. "Even if you don't trust Bengrieve, Sir Stan is more than capable."

"Indeed. He's eccentric, but a great rider and knight."

They reached the second floor, where Margo promptly opened the door. Francisca entered first, ensuring everything was safe.

"I'll be making my rounds then. I need to see Carla, Ingrid, Lady Astrid, and the rest," Audrey said.

Lansius gazed at her warmly. "Don't overexert yourself."

Audrey smiled. "You too. You're still recovering."

"I know," he reassured her and then headed to his chamber. It was close to midday, and Lansius expected a hot, humid room—the reason he disliked working with papers at noon. However, he found the chamber comfortably cool. The change was so unexpected that he stepped back when Margo opened the door.

"What's the matter, My Lord?" Margo asked, alert. Francisca quickly approached.

"Is it too cold?" someone asked, prompting Lansius to turn toward the speaker.

"Claire, you can do that?" Lansius asked.

Claire gave an awkward smile. "I've done it several times, My Lord. My apologies if it’s not as good as My Lady’s."

"No, no, you're doing fine," Lansius reassured her, while internally wondering why he had never noticed if Audrey had done that before. Suddenly, he recalled why their winter hadn't been so frigid.

I never knew I had an air conditioner...

Lansius chuckled at the thought, prompting Margo, Claire, and Francisca to exchange questioning glances.

"No, don't worry about it," Lansius reassured them. "You're doing fine. Please, take a rest. I'll be writing a thing or two."

"Should I summon the scribe, my lord?" Margo offered.

"Yes, Margo, that would be helpful. Also, please summon Calub for me." While waiting, Lansius headed to his chamber and began drafting letters at his desk. The first draft was addressed to Lord Avery, congratulating him on his recent victory and campaign. Lansius also extended well wishes and proposed future cooperation. He finished the draft after several tries, and, as if on cue, Margo knocked lightly, announcing the scribe's arrival.

Lansius gathered his parchment and headed to the study chamber. There, they settled into a quiet rhythm, the scribe transcribing Lansius' words onto finer parchment and occasionally offering suggestions. After some time, they sealed the letter with wax, pressing Lansius' crest into the still-warm seal. The wax had barely cooled when Calub arrived, carrying a bundle of fresh, leather-bound parchment notes.

"You come prepared," Lansius said with a grin.

"I've worked under you for quite a while now," Calub responded lightly.

Lansius approached him and gripped his arm firmly. "Work with me, Calub," he corrected. "I owe you too much to think that you're working under me."

Calub smiled proudly. Even the scribe, observing their exchange, seemed pleased.

"So, as you know, I'm going on another campaign." Lansius heaved a heavy sigh.

"It can't be helped, and I'm ready if you need my assistance."

"I always want you on my side, but I have nobody in Korelia. Unless you have some business in Midlandia?"

"I have business there, but it can wait until the conflict ends," Calub reassured Lansius, who nodded in understanding.

"So," Lansius motioned to the chair, and they all sat. "First, before I forget, have you tasted what our fellow half-breeds call yam?"

"How could I forget? Cecile loves them," Calub replied, then quickly understood Lansius’ intent. "My Lord, do you want us to grow them?"

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"Indeed. Can we do it?"

"Of course. The fact that Francisca could grow them here is proof enough. Moreover, we have a half-beast community now."

Lansius leaned back in his chair, his expression serious. "One thing. I don't intend to grow them as a delicacy for the rich and nobles. I see them, especially the unsweet, starchy variety, as a future staple."

"Staple?" Calub frowned, deep in thought, while the scribe beside them also appeared intrigued by the statement.

"Yes," Lansius replied confidently. "There are some differences, but I recognize their taste. In my homeland, we call them pomme de terre. Many cities consume them in great quantities, even more than grains. They're good-tasting and versatile. You can puree them, boil them, fry them with tallow... the possibilities are endless."

"Such a shift toward them will require a lot of work," Calub muttered, unsure.

"We'll start small—but not too small. I’m telling you this now so you can grasp the scale. That yam has a higher yield than wheat. I want my people to have a variety of food. And even if Korelia can't grow them, we can introduce them to Korimor, South Hill, or White Lake."

Calub nodded in agreement. "That would be a tremendous boon for the Shogunate members," he commented.

"Indeed. The only challenge is how to promote them. I believe the commoners may be reluctant to grow or eat them."

"Not at all, my lord," Calub disagreed. "Francisca has brought it to the tavern and bathhouse she frequents and shared it with them. So, people are aware of it and might be willing to try it."

Lansius stroked his chin, realizing how fortunate he was. It reminded him of the story of King Frederick II of Prussia, who struggled to convince his people to grow potatoes. The king eventually resorted to planting them under guard, sparking so much curiosity that people began to steal and cultivate them. Lansius had thought he might face a similar challenge, but his situation seemed far better.

Calub, noticing the pause, leaned in slightly. "My Lord?" he asked.

"Yes," Lansius replied, "we're fortunate if the populace is willing. In my homeland, it took decades to convince people to grow them. At first, many were simply suspicious of it."

"Not here," Calub said, shaking his head. "The people of Korelia love change, especially if it means more food on the table." The two of them, along with the scribe, chuckled in agreement.

Afterward, Lansius spent the next hour outlining his other plans for Korelia. At the top of the list was securing the Southern Trade Route, which would require at least fifty cavalrymen and an equal number of nomads as protection. Second, they discussed the various needs of the Lowlandia Office of Work. Lansius emphasized to Calub that he wanted them to keep experimenting and that failure was a natural part of learning.

With help from the two, Lansius also formulated several new laws, including stricter regulations regarding the river. He wanted to ensure that the city’s growing populace would not foul the water, allowing the nascent fishery to thrive.

"With the city growing, we'll also face a higher risk of plague. We need to promote better hygiene, including public restrooms with working sewers to avoid polluting the river," Lansius instructed.

"I’ll bring it to the Office of Works. They can start drafting something," Calub replied.

"Also, beware of body lice; they spread disease easily. We may need separate bathhouses for travelers and require them to bathe and clean their clothes on arrival."

"Are you proposing a traders-only area?" Calub asked.

"A travelers-only area," Lansius clarified. "And only for hygiene and disease prevention. I know it might not be popular, but if we make it attractive and well-designed, the area might grow on its own. Besides, our current market is packed, so I don't see why we can't expand."

Calub nodded and glanced at the old scribe, who chuckled. "A new market means more tax revenue. And if body lice are a concern, we could add regulations for lodgings to improve cleanliness."

"If needed," Lansius agreed. "But make sure someone monitors it. I don’t want a rule that no one enforces."

Calub and the scribe jotted down his instructions.

"Next is the fire watch," Lansius continued. "How is their extra training going?" Last winter, Lansius had ordered them to focus more on building safety.

"As we agreed, I've tasked them to learn about building inspections. Now, the day group monitors buildings for fire or collapse risks," Calub reported.

"How skilled are they?"

"Not as qualified as masons, but many have a background in carpentry."

Lansius nodded, pleased. "I hope they can detect fire risks. We can’t have a fire wiping out large parts of Korelia."

"Indeed, with summer approaching," the scribe muttered.

"The three new fountains should provide good access to water in case of a fire," Calub pointed out.

"Yes, they’re strategically placed to serve the most populated areas and assist the fire watch," Lansius confirmed, glancing at his list. "Lastly, the orphanage and school. Any issues?"

"They’re doing well. We have many young talents, and last year we sent some graduates to work in the library and castle as assistants for training."

A satisfied smile crossed Lansius’ face. "Are they still under Lady Astrid and Cecile?"

"And Eleanor, Sir Justin’s daughter," Calub added.

"Oh, right..." The name sparked Lansius' memory. "How is she? I promised to look after her, but I rarely find the time."

"She’s fine. She seems happy as Lady Astrid’s lady-in-waiting," Calub reassured him.

The scribe added, "There’s no need for concern, my lord. Lady Audrey meets with her daily."

Lansius was relieved. He had known about Audrey's shadow court, which assisted in running their House, but only now did he begin to grasp the full scope of its responsibilities. It covered a wide range of duties, including matters he often overlooked. The court, humorously named something like the "Hot Water Club," allowed Lansius to focus on larger issues.

At that moment, Francisca entered the study chamber and met his gaze, though her expression was uncertain.

"It’s all right; we’re finished. What is it?" Lansius inquired.

"My lord, you may wish to intervene." She motioned to the window.

Lansius frowned. "Excuse me," he said to Calub and the scribe, rising to follow Francisca. When he looked outside, he was taken aback. "That’s my wife riding, isn’t it?" he asked, noting Francisca's awkward smile.

He sighed as Calub joined him at the window, squinting. "My Lord, that looks dangerous."

Lansius rubbed his forehead. "The physician said her pregnancy was far enough along for light activity."

"No noble physician would allow that," Calub replied, his brow furrowing.

Lansius shot him a look, visibly concerned. "Really?"

The alchemist leaned closer to the window. "Is… is that a bow?"

Lansius turned to Francisca. "Can you stop her, gently? Tell her I want to share lunch with her."

"Of course, my lord." With impressive agility, Francisca opened the window, leaped out gracefully, and landed smoothly, drawing the awe of several guards. She then made her way toward Lady Audrey.

"My lord," Calub began as they watched the scene unfold in the courtyard.

Lansius glanced at him. "Speak."

"With the airship under maintenance after that long journey, how will you travel?"

"Carriage," Lansius replied. "The workshop recently completed something remarkable, and I intend to test it."

***

The following day, preparations for their departure progressed steadily. Lansius attended to every last detail that required his approval or consideration. This included the humble but highly important pasta. He had tasked Cecile and Carla, who was still declared unfit for duty, with developing a method to create pasta, allowing them to experiment with flour blends, dough consistency, eggs, and drying techniques.

However, he couldn’t devote too much time to this, as another matter of greater importance awaited his attention. Since last season, Dame Daniella had maintained a steady correspondence with him, sending questions, reports, and updates on establishing the Moneylender Guild.

After several exchanges, they were finally ready to launch their services in Three Hills. As Lansius penned his letter of approval to open an account, effectively becoming member number one and founder, a nervous smile tugged at his lips. He held in his grasp something far more formidable and dangerous than armies: banking.

Thomas Jefferson believed that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies.

Yet Lansius knew this was largely a misquote and did not refer to a modern banking institution. Still, concern weighed on his mind as he finished his letter with a final stroke of the quill. With the seal of his House—effectively, that of the Shogun—the Shogunate Korelia Yield Bank, or SKY Bank, had come to life.

The scribe, fully aware of the letter’s significance, accepted it with reverence and personally saw to the rider and escort. Such a letter wouldn’t travel by small, rolled hawk mail but would be entrusted to an official messenger.

The rise of this banking institution would ultimately secure funding for future military campaigns and countless innovations. It would, hopefully, allow local businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive. However, Lansius wasn’t naive enough to think he could control such an entity. But he believed that understanding them was the first step toward regulating their power.

He recognized that, in a century or two, banks could disrupt kingdoms and empires even more than nobles and their petty wars. His world’s history was filled with examples of great economic crises brought on by unchecked and reckless practices.

One might even argue that World War II had its roots in banking crises. He exhaled deeply, recalling his knowledge of these matters. Contrary to popular belief, the Weimar Republic post-World War I hadn’t been impoverished. Germany had regained its economic status after the war. However, due to poorly understood currency exchange phenomena, the republic faced bankruptcy when it attempted to purchase pounds sterling to pay for war reparations.

Hyperinflation severely devalued the German mark. Despite a strong economy, the currency and the republic itself became pariahs as prices soared uncontrollably. Eventually, thousands of marks were needed to buy necessities like bread, eggs, and milk.

This artificial economic crisis caused immense suffering for the German people. Just as the situation began to improve, however, the US stock market crashed, ushering in the Great Depression. Driven by greed and highly unregulated practices, this devastating crash had global repercussions. Overnight, many Germans, having invested their savings in the US, saw their wealth vanish. This second blow further damaged the already crippled German economy. With purchasing power lost, businesses began to close, people lost jobs, and the nation was left bitter and resentful, paving the way for radicals to seize power.

Lansius drank his water, absorbing the weight of his reflections. Despite the risks, he understood that banking institutions fueled growth like no other invention. The availability of funds enabled inventors, entrepreneurs, and businesses to flourish, heralding the birth of the modern era. He only hoped that his rules and regulations would be enough to prevent the worst from happening.

Soft knocks sounded on the door. "Yes?" Lansius said, and Margo opened it just a crack to report, "My Lord, the two messengers from Bengrieve request an audience."

Lansius smiled. "Did they tell you their reason?"

"They said they need to deliver your reply to Sir Stan immediately. They even purchased two fresh horses to speed their journey home."

Lansius chuckled, pleased to have competent and motivated people on his side. "Tell them there’s no need to ride alone. They should join me tomorrow, as I’ll deliver the answer to Sir Stan myself in five or six days' time."

***

Late Spring, 4426

In the aftermath of the failed assassination, the combined might of the Shogunate marched out of Korelia, heading in three directions.

Two hundred Vanguard troops had marched north, led by Sir Harold and Sir Omin, toward the Ornietia Barony, still believed to be under their benefactor's control.

One hundred Shogunate troops and the Black Knights headed to Korimor, led by Lord Jorge and Sir Michael. There, they would await five hundred reinforcements from Three Hills, including the famed Crimson Knights. Although more men could have been provided, the Lord Shogun chose to keep an adequate reserve within his realm.

Another one hundred Shogunate Troops marched east, led by Lord Robert and the Lord of Galdia, to strengthen their defense in case of provocation from Edessa.

Each force was further bolstered by another hundred voluntary troops—armed, trained, and equally motivated.

The herculean task of managing the supply lines fell to Sir Omin, who had proven remarkably capable and efficient. Once the central figure in the last Western Lords' Coalition, he was now working for the Shogunate’s cause. His shrewd leadership, diplomatic skills, deep understanding of merchants, and deft calculations were all crucial in keeping the supply chain moving rapidly and seamlessly.

Meanwhile, the Lord himself had set out for Cascasonne Midlandia, commanding:

Approximately 100 Knights

500 Light Cavalry, Dragoons, and elite Cranequiniers

500 Men-at-Arms as the main army

700 voluntary troops armed with spears, swords, shovels, barbed wire, and crossbows

Under House Lansius and the Shogunate, Lowlandia had transformed from the backwater province it once was, and so had its army and doctrines. Almost everyone was equipped with a backpack and had trained extensively with it, enabling them to march at incredible speeds and easing the burden on the traditional baggage train.

In total, no fewer than 3,000 souls were mobilized, not including the nomads and the supply chain.

The Shogunate’s swift reaction and rapid marches would soon shock Midlandia, which had never anticipated the full might of a united Lowlandia bearing down upon them.

And so, the war for Midlandia began.

***